Presidential inputs scheme boosts cotton production

The Presidential Inputs Support Scheme has resulted in cotton farmers in Mashonaland West increasing the hectarage put under cotton from 14 000ha to 18 000ha during the current agricultural season.

Government officials in the province have expressed satisfaction with the increase in production.

In an interview, acting provincial Agritex officer for Mashonaland West Mrs Siyena Makaza said there has been a marked increase in the hectarage put under cotton.

“The number of farmers who embarked on cotton farming this season went up,” she said. “Last year, there was a total of 14 000 hectares put under cotton and this year it improved to 18 000 hectares with the major growing area being Sanyati District followed by Hurungwe, Makonde, Ingezi and Kariba.”

Mrs Makaza attributed the marked increase to the Presidential Input Support Scheme where farmers received free inputs as incentive to grow the crop.

He said cotton prices were also favourable to the farmers during the 2018 marketing season compared to the previous seasons.

“Last year, the crop paid very well, so it encouraged most farmers to get back into cotton farming,” said Mrs Makaza. “Cotton companies also had promotions where they gave farmers prizes and this encouraged them to get into cotton farming this season.”

Mrs Makaza said some new private companies entered the market bringing positive competition to the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe.

“The development became an advantage for the farmers who are assured of competitive prices on the cotton market this marketing season,” she said.

Mrs Makaza expressed concern over the erratic rainfall patterns recorded during the season saying this could affect yields.

“Cotton is a drought resistance crop but with the weather pattern being experienced this season, the yield might drop although we recorded an increase in the hectarage planted,” she said.

“Last year, the season was good, and the outcome was impressive but the prospects this season are balanced between a good yield and poor harvests because of the unpredictable weather patterns.”

Mrs Makaza said the number of cotton balls per plant determines the yield and any damage on the crop would affect the yield.