Midlands boosts Cotton output

Government support towards cotton farmers has doubled the cotton output in the Midlands province with a cotton yield of 70 000 tonnes this year compared to less than 40 000 tonnes last season.

Midlands provincial crop and livestock officer Mrs Madeliner Magwenzi said the timely distribution of cotton inputs to farmers had resulted in the increased yields.

“Government support has resulted in more hectrage and uptake of cotton farming by farmers in cotton hotspots such as Gokwe North and South. We are even anticipating a higher uptake of cotton farming this upcoming season as we have already experienced timely distribution of inputs under the Presidential Cotton Inputs Scheme in July,” she said.

Farmers are receiving fertilisers, chemicals, herbicides and cotton seed under the programme.

Mrs Magwenzi said the cotton farming sector is poised for growth as Government is keen on developing the agro- business industry which is the cornerstone for economic recovery.

“We are anticipating a boom in cotton farming and processing in Gokwe as the Government is geared to support and revive the industry. We continue training cotton farmers on best practices and we are also excited government is mooting to open a ginnery in Gokwe.”

Meanwhile, cotton farmers in Gokwe say the devolution concept that is being introduced by the government will improve their community.

Nembudziya Ward 9 Councillor Faith Makore said her community is keen to see tangible developments that will be brought to Gokwe through the farming and processing of cotton.

“As farmers we will be happy to see the development of our community through cotton. We need roads, schools and health centers as a matter of priority.