Stakeholders call for probe in cotton inputs utilisation

Zim Now Writer

Stakeholders in the cotton industry have called for a probe into how farmers are utilising inputs under the presidential input scheme. The scheme was introduced in 2014/15 to help farmers increase production, but despite some initial success, production has declined in recent years.

Cottco chief operating officer, Munyaradzi Chikasha said there is need to monitor the distribution of inputs.

“If we are all honest that we are financing cotton growers, why do we have the problem (of poor production)? There is need to monitor the distribution of inputs. The private players are not financing the production and it always has an impact on production,” said Chikasha.

 Southern Cotton Company chief executive officer, Caos Nzenze said the scheme is failing to meet the desired results as some farmers are side-cropping and selling the inputs.

 “The target beneficiaries of the cotton presidential inputs programme are farmers. However, the desired result of an increase in production is not being achieved as some farmers are side-cropping and selling the inputs,” he said.

 Cotton Council of Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Chris Murove believes the scheme should be changed into a credit concessionary scheme.

“The free scheme should actually change to a credit concessionary inputs scheme,” he said.

 The cotton industry is facing a number of challenges, including poor yields, low prices, and competition from other crops.