News / National
Cotton to earn Zimbabwe over $240 million
08 Apr 2011 at 06:23hrs | Views
According to the Zimbabwe's Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, cotton could help the country to make over US$240 million during the current 2010-11 summer marketing season.
Cotton cultivators in the country are positive about producing at least 300,000 tons of lint this year, as over last year's production of 270,000 tons.
During a meeting held for the industry stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary, Ngoni Masoka, read a speech on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, wherein the Minister stated that the industry should target growth by means of raising production.
Dr Made said that, the country is likely to earn more than $240 million from cotton during the current season. However, even with such good gains the Minister said that, he wishes to see more work being done on the side of production. Further, he even added that, since independence, cotton has remained to be an important tool for rural development.
The cotton industry generates several employment opportunities in the farming and downstream industries, and a rise in cotton production would certainly lead to a further rise in employment in these sectors.
Further, Managing Director of the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe, David Machingaidze, whose company employs 108,000 cotton cultivators on contract basis, asked the cultivators to accurately grade their cotton so as to make the most of the soaring lint prices.
He said that, they are anticipating this marketing season to remain good, as the global cotton prices have gone up significantly, which is very much in favour of the domestic farmers.
The cotton cultivators and the ginners have recently started discussions to arrive at a feasible price for the crop, so as to rise over the permanent disagreement over the prices, which have dogged the industry over the last some years.
Cotton cultivators in the country are positive about producing at least 300,000 tons of lint this year, as over last year's production of 270,000 tons.
During a meeting held for the industry stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary, Ngoni Masoka, read a speech on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, wherein the Minister stated that the industry should target growth by means of raising production.
Dr Made said that, the country is likely to earn more than $240 million from cotton during the current season. However, even with such good gains the Minister said that, he wishes to see more work being done on the side of production. Further, he even added that, since independence, cotton has remained to be an important tool for rural development.
The cotton industry generates several employment opportunities in the farming and downstream industries, and a rise in cotton production would certainly lead to a further rise in employment in these sectors.
Further, Managing Director of the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe, David Machingaidze, whose company employs 108,000 cotton cultivators on contract basis, asked the cultivators to accurately grade their cotton so as to make the most of the soaring lint prices.
He said that, they are anticipating this marketing season to remain good, as the global cotton prices have gone up significantly, which is very much in favour of the domestic farmers.
The cotton cultivators and the ginners have recently started discussions to arrive at a feasible price for the crop, so as to rise over the permanent disagreement over the prices, which have dogged the industry over the last some years.
Source - Byo24News
