Govt distributes free cotton inputs

Government has started rolling out free cotton inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme with thousands of families in Nembudziya, Gokwe, Midlands province collecting their allocation last Saturday.

This comes as the distributing firm, Cottco, said it has this year doubled the tonnage of inputs to 110 000 tonnes from 54 000 last year as more farmers showed eagerness to participate in the programme.

Addressing thousands of farmers in Nembudziya under Chief Chireya, Cottco managing director Mr Pious Manamike said they had acquired enough inputs for everyone who wants to participate in cotton farming.

“The program is meant to benefit every Zimbabwean regardless of language, creed, colour or even political persuasion. I am pleased to announce that we have raised the tonnage this year from 54 000 to 110 000. Obviously this has been made possible by your continued support as farmers. My appeal is that you should desist from side-marketing your produce. Bring all your produce to Cottco,” said Mr Manamike.

He said a survey through their extension officers had shown that farmers were short-changing themselves by farming less plant population per hectare than what was optimum.

“The plant population per hectare should be 33 000. We have noted that farmers are preparing about 22 000 plants per hectare thus shortchanging yourself in terms of yields and ultimately financial returns,” said Mr Manamike.

He lauded the Government for extending the free input scheme saying it would go a long way in empowering farmers.

Speaking at the same occasion, chairperson for the Agriculture, Mechanisation, Lands and Resettlement portfolio committee for the Eighth Parliament Cde Justice Mayor Wadyajena implored farmers to sell their produce to Cottco.

Cde Wadyajena bemoaned the poor development of Gokwe district despite it being the biggest producer of cotton in the country.

“There is a lot of underdeveloped here in Gokwe yet we are the biggest producer of cotton ahead of all other districts like Chiredzi, Muzarabani and others. We urge Cottco to put investment where their mouth is by plough back. It is us that has supported you. There was a time when cotton farmers no longer wanted to work with Cottco but we stood with you,” said Cde Wadyajena.

He commended the Government for extending the Presidential Input Scheme. “More importantly, we thank the Government for bringing inputs early. Inputs should come in July or August as what has happened this year,” he said.