With support from the Zimbabwe government, an increase of 150 per cent has been recorded in the production of cotton. This year, the cotton yield was 70,000 tonnes compared to 28,000 tonnes last year, the lowest since 1992. The drastic surge in cotton output also generated employment opportunities for the locals, improving the country's economy.
The assistance from the government helped in the development of Zimbabwe's cotton industry. The government in association with The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) increased the financial support for the cotton industry by adding $42 million to the existing $60 million for this year, according to media reports. Cottco also set up 433 buying points across the country where farmers can sell their produce.
The government provided for all the input requirements for the new season for free to cotton farmers. This step was taken in an effort to revive the cotton sector which was once the country's biggest source of export revenue.
As part of the development programme in the cotton industry, the government introduced various free support initiatives including Presidential Free Inputs Scheme that helped the farmers to increase cotton cultivation through various facilities. The support programmes by the government were appreciated by the cotton farmers.
To boost cotton production, the government provided $36 million worth of inputs free of cost to growers during 2016-17 cropping season. During the current buying season, Cottco initially paid 40 cents per kg, and after grading the crop it paid grade related additional grade related price adjustment of 15 cents for Grade A, 10 cents for Grade B and 5 cents for Grade D.
In 2011, Zimbabwe produced 268,000 tonnes of cotton which decreased to 135,000 tonnes in 2013-14 and further to 100,000 tonnes in the year 2014-15.
Source: Fibre2fashion.