Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata-Herald Correspondent
THE Government is taking significant steps to revive the cotton sector, addressing long-standing payment delays to farmers while introducing measures to enhance rural value addition.
The initiative is part of the Second Republic’s broader commitment to revitalising agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
In a recent address in Harare, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said there has been a concerning decline in cotton production, attributed largely to payment challenges faced by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO).
“This has affected confidence among our growers over time,” said Dr Masuka.
Recognising the importance of timely payments, the Government is in advanced discussions with COTTCO to ensure that farmers receive prompt payments at internationally accepted prices. The move is expected to significantly boost production levels and restore farmer confidence.
“We are working with COTTCO to enable it to pay farmers on time and at prices that are internationally acceptable.
“This is definitely going to drive (cotton) production up,” he said.
Beyond efforts to stabilise output, Dr Masuka announced plans for increased value addition within cotton-producing communities starting this year.
COTTCO is set to establish an oil seed expression plant in Gokwe, with aspirations to replicate this model in Checheche and Muzarabani.
“From 2026 onwards, we want to see more value addition and beneficiation happening within the cotton sector in rural areas,” Dr Masuka said.
“This will allow communities where cotton is produced to begin to see value beyond just selling the crop.”
The Second Republic has been proactive in initiating several programmes aimed at revitalising the cotton sector.
These initiatives include providing financial support to farmers, facilitating access to modern agricultural technologies, and enhancing extension services.
By prioritising the cotton sector, the Government aims to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
Dr Masuka reiterated that value addition and beneficiation are critical components of the country’s agricultural vision.
He stressed the Government’s commitment to the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 under the National Development Strategy 2.
“The philosophy is that agricultural development will lead to rural industrialisation, driving overall national development and catalysing the attainment of Vision 2030,” he noted.
Agricultural analysts say all these comprehensive initiatives underscore the Government’s intentions to revive cotton to its historic status as Zimbabwe’s “white gold”.
Through ensuring timely payments and promoting rural industrialisation through value addition, these efforts promise not only to enhance income security for farmers, but also to establish a stronger economic foundation for rural communities across the nation, added the analysts.
