Failure to destroy cotton stalks illegal

Research and Specialist Services has warned.
DRSS has established that cotton growers are not aware of the legislation and are in the habit of leaving their cotton plants in the field after harvesting.
The practice, the department said, would lead to the spread of pests and diseases.
According to the Plant Pests and Diseases (Cotton regulations) 1980, it is a punishable offence not to destroy living cotton plants by due date.
A farmer can be fined up to US$100 for failing to remove the cotton plants.
Speaking at a Cottco field day at Jaka homestead, Tagwireyi Village in Chivi, DRSS agriculture inspector, Mr Wisdom Mutambisi said cotton growers in the Lowveld should destroy living stalks by August 15. Farmers from the rest of Zimbabwe should do so by September 10, each year.
“Most farmers leave the stalks as a way of reducing production costs for the next season as no new seed is required. The ratooned crop usually matures early and farmers harvest for the second time.”
Ratooned crops are residue cotton plants from the previous season shooting after the rains. He said growers should observe the cotton closed season to curb pest and diseases build up and their carry over from one season to the next as this has a negative impact on the cotton industry.
Mr Mutambisi said the practice was more prevalent in Mwenezi district. The field day was held at Mrs Rosemary Jaka’s homestead. She scooped the Cottco cotton grower of the year award in Ward 11 in Chivi District. The farmer and her Agritex extension officer, Mr Forward Masara received a bicycle each from Cottco.