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Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Farmer organisations have called on cotton contractors to invest in the training of growers to boost yields per unit area. This follows persistent challenges of low producer prices which have forced traditional cotton growers to switch to other lucrative crops. The cotton average yields are currently at 770 kilogrammes per hectare while other countries such as Australia are getting 3 000 kg per hectare due to improved technology.
Cotton producer price is determined on the international market and there is nothing countries such as Zimbabwe could do to influence the price.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union vice president, Mr Johnson Mapira said although some farmers had switched to tobacco, there were some areas which were not ideal for the production of other crops.
Mr Mapira said the only factor within the farmers control was yields.
He said some companies were training growers on the best agronomic practices to boost yields.
“By improving on yields, farmers can realise profits.
“Companies should also ensure the farmers are given adequate inputs timely,” he said.
Cotton Marketers and Ginners Association secretary, Mr Morris Mukwe urged companies to work with farmer organisations during the training programmes.
“Ginners should also work with farmers’ organisations for the selection of the right farmers to undergo training.
“Researchers should on the other hand come up with high yielding varieties,” he said.
In some cases cotton farmers are given inputs by contractors and then divert them to other uses resulting in poor yields.
Cotton experts have continuously urged growers to work towards improving yields if cotton production was to remain viable.
Online Reporter