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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Farmers in Gokwe are pinning their hopes on cotton this season following erratic rains, which affected their other crops. Farmers said the cotton crop was the only one that seemed to be thriving under these conditions.
“Generally, we have had a poor season in Gokwe because most of us who had planted maize crop will not harvest anything this year due to irregular rainfall patterns.
“The only people who are expecting to salvage something from the fields are those who planted cotton.
“It is the only crop which is doing well under these conditions,” said Mr Ranganai Marufu from Mukoka village.
Another farmer, Mrs Loveness Gwanzi, said most farmers were now reluctant to grow cotton due to low prices offered for the crop.
“There is a lot that is required when growing cotton such as labour and buying chemicals but the price being offered for the crop has remained low.
“Most of us were now reluctant to grow this crop, but it seems it is the only crop which is doing well in Gokwe this year,” she said.
Gokwe Central legislator Cde Dorothy Mhangami said the situation on the ground was not pleasing in Gokwe saying villagers will soon require food aid.
She said the few farmers who planted cotton were the ones expecting something from their fields.
“Traditionally cotton is grown in Gokwe but due to unattractive prices, people have been slowly venturing into other crops like the maize and small grains.
“Due to the erratic rain falls only a few who stuck to the traditional crop are expecting something,” she said.
Cde Mhangami said even the small grains that were planted did not do well
“Our soils are sandy and crops cannot survive under these conditions,” she said.
Online Reporter