by Christopher Makaza

Cotton farmers countrywide have hailed early distribution of cotton inputs under the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, which they said will provide farmers ample time to prepare for the 2020 planting season.

Cotton Producers and Marketers Association Chairman, Mr Stewart Mubonderi told Harare Post that almost 45 percent of the needed inputs have already been delivered to various distribution points across the country waiting for collection by farmers.

"I am happy to say about 45 percent of the cotton inputs needed by farmers have already been distributed to various distribution points awaiting collection by farmers. The inputs are a roll-over of last year's inputs and  those meant for this year will soon be availed.

"Cotton farmers from inaccessible areas whose roads are easily affected by rains such as Mukumbura, Binga, Chitekete, Makonde, Chadereka and Kariba rural will be the first to receive these inputs before the rains," said Mr Mubonderi.

Mr Mubonderi said because of the anticipated above average rainfall and the early distribution of inputs, they are expecting around 200 000 tonnes of the white gold from the 77 000 tonnes produced last year.

A Makonde farmer, Mr Lazarus Mudeto said, "We really appreciate the early distribution of the inputs by the Government. This will definitely enable us to take advantage of the early rains and boost prospects for better yields. We are happy that this year, the country is expecting above average rains which is likely going to improve our yields."

Cottco is targeting to distribute 8000 tonnes of seed, 40000 tonnes of basal fertilizer and 20000 tonnes of top dressing fertiliser to cover approximately 400000 hectares country wide.

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) administers the Presidential free input scheme, a programme that has benefitted and transformed lives of thousands of families since 2005.