dyton mupawaenda
Herald Reporter
THE cotton-buying season is set to begin next month with the Government identifying buying points across the country while consultations on prices per grade were being finalised.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere while addressing the 13th post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.
“The 2025 cotton-buying season is set to begin on June 1, with prices per grade to be announced upon completion of ongoing consultations,” said Dr Muswere.
“To support the season’s operations, preparations, including the establishment of 211 permanent buying points and 476 mobile buying points, have been completed.”
On tobacco, Dr Muswere said as of May 16 2025, a total of 189 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf had been sold at an average price of US$3,38 per kilogramme.
“This represents a 21 percent increase in volume compared to the same period last season, when 151 million kilogrammes were sold at an average price of US$3,52 per kilogramme,” he said.
“Under the 2025 Winter Cereals Plan, the production targets are set at 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat from 120 000 hectares, 39 000 metric tonnes of barley from 6 500 hectares, and approximately 236 000 metric tonnes of potatoes from around 8 700 hectares.
“With respect to wheat production, a total of 29 372 hectares have been planted, distributed as follows: Mashonaland West, 9 751; Mashonaland Central, 5 524; Mashonaland East, 4 095; Manicaland, 1 952; Midlands, 3 081; Masvingo, 1 031; Matabeleland North, 1 525; and Matabeleland South, 2 413.”
Dr Muswere said Cabinet also noted an update on the winter wheat report tabled before it.
“According to the Second Round Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA 2) report of 12 April 2025, the country has adequate grain reserves at the national level,” said Dr Muswere.
“In the interim, resources will be made available to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to facilitate timely payments for anticipated grain deliveries.
“The construction of 14 grain silo depots is making steady progress at 13 centres across the country, with the Kwekwe depot having been completed and officially commissioned by His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa.”
Online Reporter