Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Correspondent
THE Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) has contracted more than 360 000 farmers this year, amid prospects of a good harvest due to good rains and increased production.
Speaking at a media cocktail on Friday, Cottco acting accounting officer Mr Munyaradzi Chikasha said almost 300 000 hectares had been put under the cash crop this season.
“The season started on a good note and is quite promising. A total of 360 014 farmers with approximately 295 175 hectares have been contracted this year, compared to 201 821(ha) established the same time in the 2021/2022 season. We are carrying out a validation exercise to ascertain the exact hectarage,” he said.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, he added, continues to produce commendable yields.
“Farmers can manage weeds and pests on small plots and, therefore, get better results.
“It is our sincere hope that, with the aid of the tillage programme, Pfumvudza will continue to give positive results. Indeed, mechanising Pfumvudza in cotton production is the way to go.”
Cottco has also reportedly made progress in its plans to establish oil-expression plants in cotton-growing areas countrywide to generate additional revenue, create employment and support Government’s devolution programme.
“We intend to set up an oil-expression plant in Gokwe this year. This plant should directly employ around 90 locals at inception. It will also provide cooking oil and stockfeed to the surrounding communities at affordable prices. The downstream industry is set to benefit as well,” he said.
Cottco board chairperson Mr Sifelani Jabangwe said the company, which recently embarked on a rebranding programme, is boosting its operations.
“Last year, we embarked on an extensive brand audit exercise that was quite telling, subsequently leading us into the rebranding/transformational journey that we are currently seized with.
”The Cottco brand has and will always be a household name in the communities that it operates from,” he said.
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