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The Government last week announced that it would buy cotton from farmers this season following an impasse with ginners over low producer prices.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) set $0,48 to $0,50 per kg for grade A cotton, $0,44 to $0,48 for grade B, $0,40 to $0,43 per kg for grade C and $0,36 to $0,39 for grade D.
Most farmers are holding on to their crop waiting for the Government to announce new producer prices.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director Mr Paul Zakariya said it was the role of the Government to intervene where there was a deadlock.
“Government should quickly move in and announce new prices.
“As we speak, we eagerly await to hear what the next step will be as farmers are still holding on to their crop following our advice,” he said.
Mr Zakariya said the union supported any move aimed at alleviating suffering among farmers.
“We support any Government initiatives to save farmers and we believe that the Government has assessed all the risks associated with the move,” he said.
Mr Zakariya also implored Government to come up with a long term plan on production of the crop.
“We want long term planning in terms of how cotton is going to be produced in the country.
“Growers should not get stranded by lack of funding and we hope Government is working on this,” he said.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Mr Donald Khumalo said the Government should always protect the interests of farmers.
“World over, Government has the role to intervene where there is an impasse to protect farmers. Government fears that cotton growers will be heavily battered. Government realises the predicament of farmers and wants to protect them.”
Mr Khumalo, however, said the move might be good for farmers but bad for industry which employs many people.
Zimbabwe is expected to produce between 265 000 tonnes and 280 000 tonnes of cotton this year, up from 249 000 tonnes last year. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter