Zimbabwe expecting decline in seed Cotton yield

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is expecting a decline in seed cotton yield from 90 000 metric tons last year to 40 00 metric tons this year due to the El Nino-induced drought, an official has said.

Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Clever Isaya said this at a media briefing announcing the commencement of the 2024 seed cotton marketing season.

“From the crops and livestock assessment that have been done, for the 2024 season the focus is pointing to 40 000 metric tons for this year’s seed cotton production. If you compare with the previous seasons, you could see the impact where in the last season we were looking at 90 000 metric tons and it has gone down to 40 000 metric tons,” he said.

“The 2024 marketing season comes against the backdrop of the El Nino induced drought that led to reduced cotton yields. The season has been challenging, characterized by a late and false start of the rains, followed by prolonged dry spells. This adversely affected yield and expected total production. Climate-proofing of cotton through adoption of Pfumvudza/Intwasa becomes key to mitigate the impact of climate change”

Isaya said the 2024 seed cotton marketing season is scheduled to run from 6 June to 6 July 2024.

He said a total of 647 common buying points (CBP) have been established throughout all cotton growing areas, comprising 164 permanent and the rest being mobile points.

AMA is working with eight registered cotton contractors to ensure a smooth and successful marketing season, namely Alliance Ginneries, Agri-Value Chain, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco), Innovative Cotton, New Cotton Company, ShawashAgri, Southern Cotton Company, and Zimbabwe Cotton Consortium.

Seed cotton is an important source of livelihood for about 1.3 million people in Zimbabwe, with approximately 75 percent of income in cotton-growing areas derived from the crop.

The cotton industry employs approximately 60 000 individuals in ginneries, spinning, transportation, and logistics services.

Minimum seed cotton prices for this year are set at US$0.43/kg for grade A, US$0.39/kg for grade B, grade C US$0.36/kg, and Grade D for US$0.32/kg.

Isaya said payment to farmers in line with the government monetary policy shall be split as 75 percent USD and 25 percent local currency.

“AMA will ensure farmers are paid their grade differential prices. This is expected to motivate farmers to produce high-quality cotton,” he said.

“Measures have also been taken to curb side marketing and these include the enforcement of Section 13A of Statutory Instrument 142 of 2011, which stipulates that all contractors are to sign binding Memorandum of Agreements for buying arrangements, pledging among other aspects the following: the establishment of common buying points, adherence to good business practices, recording and keeping of registers by each contractor at Common Buying Points (CBPs).”

New Ziana