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Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau

A LOBBY group in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call and drive for the revival of cotton production in the country was launched recently at Zvipani business centre in Hurungwe district.

At the launch of the Cotton Farmers for ED, the Government indicated that this coming season it could avail hybrid seed to increase production which is currently affected by redundant Open Variety Seeds (OPV).

Addressing the farmers, guest speaker Cde Mike Bimha, who is Zanu PF national political commissar and Politburo member, said while the nation has managed to revive the sector which slumped in 2015 due to low world markets, President Mnangagwa’s intervention had seen the Government setting aside US$60 million towards the importation of hybrid seeds that will help triple current national yield output.

“The President is always emphasising on production and maximisation of the land that was availed to us. He is encouraging us to take farming as a business hence his assent to the release of US$60 million from the Ministry of Finance for the purchase of hybrid seeds.

“I’m glad that the Zimbabwe Cotton Farmers Association leadership and Chief Njelele have visited the President to inform him about your challenges and possible ways to help revive cotton production from the communal farmers’ perspective which he positively responded to as a listening leader,” he said.

Cde Bimha said President Mnangagwa’s participation in cotton production was going to help Zimbabwe cut import bills.

“We are importing cooking oil from Russia which, will be a thing of the past once cotton production improves. The money saved, will be used for infrastructure development.”

Cottco Zimbabwe representative, Mr Munyaradzi Chikasha said the parastatal whose ownership will soon be controlled by the State, had embarked on a massive payment-upon-delivery system to gain farmers’ trust.

He also outlined how the Second Republic had availed free cotton inputs for the 2023 season with other districts now receiving seed, fertiliser and chemicals.

Cotton Farmers Association of Zimbabwe Chairman Stewart Mubonderi and Chief Njelele, born Moses Njelele, who are spearheading the Cotton Farmers for ED campaign, lauded President Mnangagwa’s interventions adding he deserves to be re-elected resoundingly in the 2023 harmonised elections. In her remarks, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mary Mliswa Chikoka applauded the Province for leading the country’s cotton production after scooping the top three positions and rallied farmers to put to use inputs availed to them.

Cotton farmers in the District thanked the President for agreeing to release funds for the importation of hybrid seeds that are expected to be a game changer.

Ms Paidamoyo Ngandini, who is one of the outstanding cotton farmers in the district, said she is expecting more bales this coming season.

“We are elated by the decision taken by President Mnangagwa to ensure that from this coming season we will be receiving hybridised seeds to boost our production. 

“This comes as great news to us following the successful roll out of forex retention on every cotton sale,” said the youthful farmer.