Story by John Nhandara
THE 2026 cotton marketing season has officially commenced, with the Government unveiling new seed cotton prices and tightening payment and marketing regulations aimed at protecting farmers and improving transparency in the sector.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) announced the pricing framework this Friday as preparations intensify for nationwide cotton deliveries, with hundreds of buying points already established across the country.
AMA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Alice Mapfiza, confirmed that six contractors have been registered for the 2024/25 cotton marketing season, with some expected to receive buyers’ licences upon meeting all regulatory requirements.
“The registered companies are Agri-Value Chain, Roysen Traders, Cangrow, Cotton Company of Zimbabwe, Alliance Ginneries, and Southern Cotton Management Services Zimbabwe (Cottco) Private Limited.
“The season will run from 18 May to 31 July this year. One hundred and seventy-three permanent and 398 mobile common buying points have been established countrywide.
“Buying is strictly at AMA designated buying points using the AMA database. Contractors are to deploy appropriate payment channels within reach of farmers from their nearest buying point. No bales shall be moved from the buying point unless fully paid for.
“Following price negotiations between farmers and contractors, the minimum seed cotton prices for the season are as follows: Grade A, US$0.43 per kilogramme; Grade B, US$0.41 per kilogramme; Grade C, US$0.38 per kilogramme; and Grade D, US$0.35 per kilogramme.
“Seventy per cent shall be paid in United States dollars, with the balance of 30 per cent paid in local currency, in line with Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe guidelines,” she said.
Authorities say the measures are aimed at ensuring orderly marketing, safeguarding farmers from unfair practices and improving access to payment facilities during the cotton selling season.
