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The emergence of tobacco as a major cash crop has not significantly affected production of cotton as most growing areas were not suitable for the golden leaf, an official said.
Cotton Ginners Association (CGA) director-general Mr Godfrey Buka said most farmers in traditional cotton producing areas were still growing the crop.
“Migration of cotton farmers to tobacco is very limited because major cotton producing areas are not suitable for tobacco for example Gokwe, Zambezi Valley and the Lowveld,” he said.
There has been a massive movement from cotton production to other cash crops in many parts of the country due to the low prices and the chaotic marketing system.Farmers and ginners have been locked in price disputes almost every year prompting the Government to intervene in many instances.
Establishment of the Agricultural Marketing Authority was expected to end such disputes and restore viability to the sector.
The CGA has since said that it is targeting to contract cotton growers to produce 250 000 tonnes of cotton this cropping season.
Cotton output last year reached 350 000 tonnes.
In Zimbabwe, cotton production is a source of livelihood for over 200 000 households.
The crop is largely grown in the drier parts of the country which include Gokwe in the Midlands province and Muzarabani in Mashonaland Central province.
Meanwhile, Mr Buka dismissed assertions that reduction in cotton output over the years could have contributed to decline of the textile industry.
He said the country was producing sufficient quantities of the crop to satisfy local demand and exporting the surplus. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter