Harare, (New Ziana) – All arrears owed to cotton farmers in both local and foreign currency will be cleared by the end of this month, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.

“All outstanding payments by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe amounting to US$2.65 million and 2.8 million in ZiG will be cleared by 31 May 2024,” Dr Muswere told the post-cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.

He said the arrears clearance was in anticipation of the opening of the 2024 cotton marketing season expected to run from June 1 to 30 with farmers receiving 75 percent of their payments in US$ and 25 percent in ZiG.

He said the grade-based pricing system will be announced once ongoing consultations are concluded.

Turning to tobacco, Dr Muswere said as of last May 8, 116.4 million kilograms had been sold at an average price of US$3.57/kg, with decentralised floors accounting for 35 percent of the total tobacco sold under contract.

Meanwhile, the Africa Regional and Annual Tobacco Conference will be held in Harare from 15 to 16 May 2024. Topics to be discussed include production challenges and opportunities, sustainability of the sector, contracting models, and future prospects of the sector in Africa.

New Ziana