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$13 million set aside for cotton inputs in Zimbabwe
The National Association of Cotton Ginners, Merchants and Buyers has set aside US$13 million for the importation of pesticides and fertilizers for the next planting season.
And in addition, about $7 billion is also earmarked for seed procurement and other inputs
required as the industry gears itself for boosting production of the "white gold."
This level of support is set to see the hectarage that would be put under the crop rise to around 350,000ha from last year's 280,000ha. The NACGMB chairman, who is also Cottco chief executive, Mr. Happymore Mapara, said that the move was aimed at increasing and improving the production and quality of cotton, thus enabling Zimbabwe to reclaim its status as the best cotton producer in the region.
Mr Mapara indicated that contracts should be finalised by November 30 of each year and registered with the National Cotton Association immediately after signing.
Zimbabwe has the capacity to produce around 600,000 tonnes of cotton given adequate support.
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