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Obert Chifamba
Agri-Insight
IT will not require rocket science to understand why many cotton farmers will remember last season’s preparatory stages with a sour taste in their mouths.
To them, it was a season to forget quickly and never spare a moment to relive it, thanks to the confusion that characterised the input distribution process.
This year, as preparations for all crops intensify, it is important to make sure all crops get attention to ensure inputs are distributed on time with all logistical issues clearly laid and spelt out so that no farmer is prejudiced of precious production time, which will impact on yields and ultimately, their earnings.
Last season’s major undoing was the last minute change of the traditional input distribution modus operandi that saw the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) coming in to replace Cottco in a process that required the former to have established many distribution structures to make the process smooth.
Of course, the decision was meant to address some grey areas that were meant to be addressed but it came in a bit late when input distribution was supposed to be at full throttle to ensure farmers do not miss important production windows.
Happening against the backdrop of a season predicted to be characterised by La Nina weather, the preparations should be done with special attention being paid to the possibility of the rains making an early arrival that requires farmers to have everything in place to enable early planting.
Delays in input distribution have always had adverse implications on production with farmers lamenting last season’s scenario, which they squarely blame for their poor showing.
There may have been several other factors like the drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon and a distribution process that may not have been properly coordinated that also affected the season’s eventual outlook but input availability has always been key.
If the season is to be blessed with better rains compared to last season, then inputs must be distributed right now lest some farmers fail to get them in time after their areas become inaccessible once rains start falling.
It is also prudent for Government to indicate how the inputs distribution process will be done and who will be responsible. This will ensure the distribution machine is well-oiled ahead of the start of the season.
If it is GMB, then it needs to move fast and set up committees in the various areas to which it will be sending and distributing inputs.
The committees will also need to work hand in hand with the Agricultural Marketing Authority’s (AMA) clerks to ensure distribution is done transparently.
This will also keep shenanigans by contractors in check amid growing allegations that some of them are in the habit of presenting the same inputs in various locations without giving the farmers. This results in farmers later failing to access them in time.
AMA clerks will ensure that this double-dipping does not occur and once inputs are delivered to a particular distribution point, then they can only be moved upon being collected by the intended beneficiaries.
On the one hand, AMA should have started preparations for the upcoming season by now.
They must give all contractors deadlines by which they should have delivered all inputs or have evidence of inputs purchases and delivery to common distribution points.
These inputs must remain at the common distribution points to curb underhand dealings that may later derail the flow of the season.
This will also require Government to capacitate AMA to deploy clerks who will remain on the ground until all inputs are distributed on time to farmers.
Additionally, Statutory Instrument 118 of 2022 [CAP. 18:12] Agricultural Marketing Authority (Seed Cotton and Seed Cotton Products) (Amendment) Regulations requires all contractors to furnish AMA with a database of the growers they will be supporting, proof of inputs purchases to support minimum input packages and signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AMA at the time of registration for the season.
This statutory instrument also states that the cut-off date for issuance of first tranche of inputs shall be December 31 of each year and the issuance of second tranche of inputs shall be February 28 of each year.
This should be the guiding principles behind the operations of all contractor with AMA religiously enforcing compliance.
If all players play ball, chances of better times rolling back in the cotton industry are ery high, which will see farmers beginning to self-finance operations and operating sustainably.
Cottco chief executive Mr Rockie Mutenha recently observed that they were putting farmers into different categories based on their production and delivery records to ensure they give them appropriate input support.
Those that have proven records of producing and delivering large quantities of the white gold obviously need more inputs and subsequently more technical assistance to ensure they even take their performances a notch higher.
The move to appreciate the various population demographics with women and youths getting recognition and support is also something to cherish because it will boost production.
A collaborative approach between GMB, AMA and Cottco is not a bad idea with the trio working closely to ensure farmers get the services they need in time to plant and do other agronomic activities that guarantee them a successful season.
It will not make sense for GMB to watch Cottco or vice versa, failing to discharge its duties adequately when it could have chipped in to save the day and make the season successful.
The success of any season has ripple effects that reverberate along the entire cotton value chain.
This makes it crucial for Government to ensure these players, especially parastatals under its wings, are made to work together towards one common cause.
Cotton prices on the international market were also not as encouraging last season but that should not be something to headline the sector’s poor showing.
The biggest and most important thing is being adequately prepared.
This allows farmers to at least salvage something in the event of a totally bad season.
Adequate preparations for a season usually make the first right step in the direction of success while shoddy preparations are always a recipe for disaster no matter how good or bad a season may later turn out to be.
Finally, indications that some farmers who had skipped the cotton growing ship are beginning to make the great trek back are something to smile about.
This means they are beginning to see the opportunities the sector can avail to them after getting time to introspect on the sidelines for some time.
This is quite encouraging given that the sector had in recent times been operating at its lowest ebb depriving millions of people of livelihoods that thrive on the full functionality of the industry.
Online Reporter