Cotton production set to double

Zim Now Writer

On the back of the good rains received in most cotton-growing regions during the rainy season across the country, Zimbabwe’s cotton production is expected to more than double this year.

Output of raw cotton fibre, one of the country’s largest agricultural commodities, is expected to reach around 100 000 tonnes, surpassing the 48 000 tonnes from the previous season, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe has said.

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe administers government’s inputs scheme and accounts for 85 percent of national production.

This is the highest production in two years successive droughts in some cotton-growing areas hit production of the crop grown by more 350 000 farmers.

“We generally had a fair season; good rains in most cotton growing areas and we expect production to be much higher,” Cottco acting accounting officer, Munyaradzi Chikasha said.

Chairman of the Cotton Producers and Marketing Association Mr Steward Mubonderi said while a minimum production of 100 000 tonnes was expected this year, it would be higher if the output from the private merchants was factored in.

“From the State-funded crop, we are projecting at least 100 000 tonnes but the national output will be higher because some cotton was funded by private players,” he said.

The country’s cotton season runs in two phases, including the growing season from September to December, and harvesting and sales period from May to August.

This year, the lowest grade (D) will fetch US$0.40 per kg while the premium grade (A) will be sold at US$0.40 cents per kg. Farmers will receive 85 percent of their payment in US dollars and the balance in local currency at the official interbank rate.

“We are happy with the foreign currency retention threshold but we implore the cotton companies to avail enough cash at buying points to avoid delays in the payments,” said Mubonderi.

Cottco has said it will raise US$34 million to buy raw cotton during the upcoming intake season, which normally starts in May and the company negotiations with local banks to provide the facilities are at various stages.