Cotton prices on the international market have remained depressed, averaging 56,65 cents a pound from previous highs of as much as 90 cents per pound.

On April 14, 2016, the Cotlook Index quoted a price of 69,40 cents per pound.

The low prices are likely to have a negative impact on cotton growers in Zimbabwe.

Last year, merchants proposed to pay an interim price and later pay an adjustment based on grades. They paid a Grade D price of US$0,30 per kilogramme for all the cotton and were to later pay the balance after grading.

Reports from a Cotton Producers and Marketers Association representative, Morris Mukwe, indicate that some merchants failed to pay farmers the balance.

In areas such as Nembudziya, Nyarupakwe, Ganyungu, Patchway, Masakadza, Chireya, Zumba, Sengwa Bridge, Manoti and other places around Gokwe, buyers failed to collect cotton in time at buying points. This made it difficult to meet the adjusted payment deadlines.