Zimpapers Logo

 Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

The free cotton inputs for smallholder farmers under the Presidential cotton scheme are now at Cottco collection points ready for distribution, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera told farmers yesterday.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Farmers Union 82nd congress in Gweru, Dr Basera said so far 9 500 tonnes of basal dressing and 2 500 tonnes of top dressing had been delivered. 

The target is to put 285 000ha under Pfumvudza cotton to produce 285 000 tonnes from 520 000 beneficiaries.

 “So far Government has delivered basal dressing and top dressing to Cottco points and is ramping up deliveries starting next week. 

“National average yield is expected to increase from 0,5 tonnes to about 1 tonne a hectare. Government is also increasing shareholding in Cottco,” he said.

Cotton farmers have expressed satisfaction with progress recorded during this current agricultural season, especially with the assistance from the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme.

 Cotton Producers and Marketers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Stewart Mubonderi said he is grateful to the Government for distributing inputs on time adding that time is crucial to maximise production.

Already more farmers are preparing land for the next season adding that this year was the best season for cotton farmers as they were paid with a high component in foreign currency like tobacco growers.

“This is a welcome development. We are now receiving inputs on time and farmers are busy preparing the land, I urge you dig holes. I also urge more farmers to join cotton farming since the programme has extended to 520 000 farmers from 300 000,” he said.

A cotton farmer, Ms Doreen Chiedza from Mauya, in Hurungwe district, who is yet to try her luck this season, said she was being motivated by the handsome payouts and free inputs which are likely to be distributed on time to them.

 “I will try to do cotton next year as are most farmers in my area and surrounding places. Maybe l can do better in cotton farming,” she said.

Mrs Emilia Rwodzi (80) from Gudubu in Mhangura, who was elated by her recent payment of her cotton in local and foreign currency, said she was hoping to put a bigger portion of her farm under the crop this coming season.

 “I target to put 15 hectares under the crop as part-payment of it in forex gives us hope to continue cotton farming. What is also amazing is that we are going to do our work on time hence possibility of a bumper harvest next year ,” she said.