When cotton — Zimbabwe’s white gold — production declined in major growing areas during the last two decades, so did processors, cooperatives, and other important value chain operators who had kept the cotton sector afloat. All of this rendered farmers penniless and halted economic activity in small towns and rural business centres. However, the Government’s efforts to revitalise the ailing cotton industry through the implementation of the Pfumvudza agricultural cotton scheme, which will benefit around 520 000 households across the country, will increase production of the white cash crop. Sifelani Tsiko (ST), Agric, Environment & Innovations Editor, interacts with Pious Manamike (PM), managing director of the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO), which is in charge of the logistics of this vast undertaking, in this storey. Mr. Manamike discusses how continued attempts to revitalise the sector will both energise the dormant textile and clothing industries and improve economic growth.
The Presidential Cotton Input Scheme (Pfumvudza) is a climate proofing technique that will ensure that the cotton crop accesses the moisture and nutrients thereby improving yields for the farmers. The scheme is targeting 520 000 households who will do a quarter of a hectare using an inputs package. Cottco has mobilised 5,000 motorcycles to enable extension workers to carry out their work more effectively. Cotton is one of Zimbabwe’s major cash crops and contributes to economic growth and improved livelihoods among growers. Earnings from cotton have grown from US$11 million in 2016 up to US$70 million at present. Foreign currency savings from the use of local ginned seed for cooking oil and stock feed manufacturing is about US$15 million annually.
Zimbabwe’s cotton production has been steadily going up with occasional dips in drought years. Cottco expects a harvest of over 120 000 metric tonnes this current season. Pricing and side-marketing remain a major problem for the cotton industry. What measures do you think can help to cushion growers against the vagaries of international markets?
