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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
zanu-pf candidate for Gokwe Mapfungautsi, Cde Tawanda Karikoga, has pledged to strengthen relations between the farming community and cotton producing firms operating in the area in the wake of allegations of unfair distribution of inputs. Cde Karikoga said his pledge followed complaints from villagers in the constituency that Government’s free cotton input

distribution was marred by some powerful people who would influence the distribution of the products to their cronies.
He said that had strained relations between some farmers and cotton producing firms in particular Cottco, which was a conduit for free inputs to villagers.

Addressing villagers in Maphosa Village in Chief Chisina’s area, Cde Karikoga said he would work to ensure that every deserving farmer would get the inputs.

“It is common knowledge that Mapfungautsi is the biggest cotton producing area here in Gokwe South. Relations between cotton producing firms, in particular Cottco, and farmers had been strained and this led villagers to be reluctant to sell their produce to Cottco,” said Cde Karikoga.

“If I am voted into office as your Member of Parliament I would work hard to restore the strained relations. I know some powerful people would influence the distribution of inputs to their relatives, friends and cronies. This has to stop. It was not a mistake for you to vote for me to represent the ruling zanu-pf. I pledge to fulfil all the promises that I made,” said Cde Karikoga.

He said talks with the Cottco leadership were already underway to work together for the benefit of everyone.
“I have already initiated the interactions with Cottco and other cotton producing firms. I need to emphasise that you have an obligation to sell your cotton to Cottco once you get free inputs. It would be very unfair for one to get free inputs but decide to side-market the produce,” said Cde Karikoga.

He said side-marketing of produce would defeat the spirit of Government’s economic blue print, Zim-Asset, in which the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa was geared to ensure food self sufficiency and restore viability on State entities such as Cottco.

Cde Karikoga said by selling their cotton to Cottco, they would be raising the bar for the firm in terms of its ability to continue supporting them not only with inputs but with technical services.

He reiterated that his objective would be to serve everyone regardless of one’s political persuasion once voted into office as legislator for the area.