Business Reporter

… thanks to the Presidential Input Scheme

The country’s Cotton production has increased rapidly, due to the Presidential Input Scheme and Pfumvudza/Intwasa Cotton programme.

A report recently released by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe, reveals that since 2016 to 2020/21 farming season, the cotton hacterage and production volumes have increased, as a result of government initiatives to end poverty.

“The Scheme used to benefit around 155 000 households in support of the government poverty alleviation strategy.  The scheme has now grown to over 420 000 households due to the introduction of Pfumvudza /Intwasa Cotton program.

“Seed Cotton production volumes increased from 10 800mt 2016 to 116 053mt in the 2020/21 farming season a growth of 975%,” read the report.

The increased in cotton production has seen a growth in the cotton export market contributing significantly toward the country’s foreign currency reserves.

“Export revenue grew from US$4.5million to around US$85million in 2017/18 season, Cottco is expecting to bring atleast US$60million as export revenue in the current marketing season ending March 2022,” read the report.

Cottco is currently outsourcing ginning from other ginner with idle capacity on a toll ginning arrangement due to its operating capacity that has grown from 10% to 100%. 

Meanwhile, the Presidential input scheme is benefiting in the value chain including the Textile industry, Cooking oil Industry, Transport industry, Local Authorities, Government Department suppliers indifferent categories, retail industry and many other stakeholders.