Story by John Nhandara
THE country is targeting to put 180 000 hectares under cotton during the 2024 to 2025 cropping season which commences in October.
The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) has started the identification and registration of farmers that will benefit from inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme for the white gold, with at least 180 000 hectares targeted to be put under cotton production this season.
“We have put our farmers into three categories depending with the hectarage they have. Our aim is to establish 180 000 hectares,” said COTTCO’s chief executive officer, Mr Rockie Mutenha.
Logistics for the distribution of the inputs are already underway, with those who abuse input schemes being warned.
He added, “So, we are in the process of identifying and registering our farmers so that they can be able to receive the inputs. We have already acquired the inputs and we will be distributing them as soon as we finish registration. We have also included schools. All those in the habit of abusing inputs will be arrested.”
Statistics from the Agricultural Marketing Authority indicate that at least 12 million kilogrammes of the white gold worth about US$3 million and ZWG$14 million was delivered to buying points during the just-ended marketing season, with the focus now on the next cropping season.
