adminCotton buyers are said to be offering even less than US22 cents per kg to lower grade cotton.
A recent visit by Chronicle to some cotton depots in Gokwe revealed that most farmers were still holding to their product following the price impasse.
Gokwe chiefs also held meetings with their subjects after which they all agreed that no farmer would release his/her product with the prices on offer.
“What these cotton buyers are offering is ridiculous to say the least.
“How can they expect us to part with our cotton at such a meager price? We better let our bales rot than selling them at US22 cents per kg,” fumed one farmer Mr Jonas Ntuli from Gokwe’s Chief Nemangwe area.
Another farmer, Mrs Elizabeth Tirivangani, said the cotton price impasse between buyers and farmers has greatly affected the farmers.
“We rely on cotton farming in Gokwe and when we are forced to hold on to our product, it then means more financial constraints. Right now my children have been chased away from school over non payment of fees and the only way I can raise the fees is through selling my produce,” she said.
Mrs Tirivangani appealed to Government to quickly intervene.
“Last year, the buyers also dictated prices and we were forced to sell our cotton at US42 cents per kg. This year they are offering even more less price per kg. Government should just intervene,” she said
Mr Chamunorwa Gomba said he was considering shelving cotton farming.
“I think the best thing to do is for the farmers to abandon growing cotton and venture into other crops. We cannot continue working for nothing every year with buyers dictating prices on our products,” he said.
Chief Njelele of Gokwe confirmed that they met their subjects as chiefs for the purposes of rejecting the cotton price with one united voice.
“As chiefs, we are also farmers and the US22 cents which is being offered by buyers is an insult to the farmer. We have met our subjects and agreed that no farmer would sell his/her product until the buyers come up with serious offers,” he said.
Chief Njelele accused cotton buyers such as Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) for abusing the input loan system to try and rip-off farmers.
“What we have realised is that Cottco is abusing the input loan facility to dictate prices. I think it’s high time that the cotton seed started finding its way into many shops shelves unlike the current scenario where Cottco is the only organisation where farmers can get seed on loan,” he said.
Chief Njelele said the money which was offered by the buyers was not enough to buy even a “350ml bottle of a soft drink”.
“If you go to a shop, a 350ml of a soft drink cost US50 cents and buyers want to get one kilogramme of lint for a mere US22c,” he argued.
A Cottco official in Gokwe refused to comment over the cotton price and referred this reporter to their headquarters in Harare.
No response could be obtained from Cottco yesterday
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo