Farmers bank on cotton, small grains

Farmers here are banking on improved yields of cotton and small grains to salvage something this season after most of the maize crop across the Lowveld was written-off due to a prolonged dry spell.

Chiredzi is one of the driest districts in Masvingo province and poor rains forced farmers to declare the staple maize crop a complete write-off in most areas.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union regional manager for Masvingo Mr Jeremiah Chimwanda last week said the maize output this season was severely affected by drought.

“We are undertaking a crop assessment as a union and from the preliminary findings we have noted that most of our members suffered serious setbacks in terms of production of maize,” he said.

“The prolonged dry spell, which affected most parts of Masvingo province had negative effects on the maize crop with districts such as Mwenezi, Zaka and Chiredzi being the worst affected.” Mr Chimwanda said most farmers were now pinning their hopes on small grains and cotton. “Cotton and small grains are still thriving despite the damage caused by Cyclone Idai and the prolonged dry spell which affected most parts of Masvingo,” said Mr Chimwanda.

Cotton Producers and Marketers Association chairperson Mr Stewart Mubonderi said the cotton marketing season has been enhanced by the announcement of an increase in the price of “white gold”.

“We are delighted that Government announced the producer price on time,” he said. “From the consultations and farm visits done so far, our members are in good spirits and working towards the attainment of this year’s target of over 200 000 tonnes.

“Crops such as maize have failed in most parts of the country due to drought, but we are delighted that cotton is thriving.”

Mr Mubonderi challenged cotton merchants to continue allocating pesticides to farmers as their crop has now reached the critical point of ball formation.

“Now that most of the cotton is producing balls, a clear sign of maturity, we urge cotton merchants to continue investing in farmers by providing pesticides,” he said. “This will help us produce more cotton.”

The Lowveld is a major producer of cotton and small grains, a situation that has seen cotton firms setting up ginneries in the area.