Govt seeks to double cotton output

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is seeking to double cotton production in the forthcoming summer cropping season amid growing demand for Zimbabwean cotton on the international market.

Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) acting chief executive officer, Mrs Nancy Zitsanza said there is huge demand for the country’s cotton which she said is ranked third in the world.

“Zimbabwe cotton is the third best cotton in the world according to the international market ratings. Our cotton is now highly regarded in terms of quality. It is also on demand and there has been underproduction of cotton in the country. The crop has the potential of generating foreign currency and therefore the need to double production this coming season,” she said.

Mrs Zitsanza said Government has already started distributing cotton inputs ahead of the summer cropping season to ensure that farmers are not inconvenienced and are equipped to increase productivity.

“Government has already started distributing cotton seed and other accompanying inputs to cotton farmers ahead of the summer cropping season. We want farmers to be fully prepared ahead of the rainy season and increase productivity. We want our farmers to surpass what they delivered this year,” she said.

Mrs Zitsanza said Government has put in place a Statutory Instrument that compels merchants to grade cotton so that there is increased quality. We have four grades A, B, C and D. Farmers should receive grading results from merchants.