Farmers expect bumper cotton harvest in Mhangura

COTTON farmers here are expecting a bumper harvest after benefiting from the Presidential Input Support Scheme.

The elated farmers, some of whom had abandoned cotton farming due to low prices, but embraced the Presidential initiative, are expecting at least five bales each from their one hectare plots.

Cotton farmer and Makonde District Ward 3 councillor Cde Scholastic Matigi said more than 300 farmers in the area were happy with their crop.

The Zanu-PF District Two and Three chair was speaking at a Women’s League meeting in the area recently.

“The farmers are quite hopeful that the bumper harvest from the white gold will financially uplift them, especially women in the district.

“We are grateful to the President and his Government for bringing the scheme, which has restored cotton production in the area,” Cde Matigi said.

She said farmers in the area had always been avid cotton growers after they were resettled in the area under the willing buyer-willing seller programme.

The farmers, Cde Matigi said, abandoned cotton when world prices dropped during the 2008 /9 season.

“We are grateful to Government for the Presidential Cotton Support Input Scheme, which has seen a revival of production in the area,” she said.

Women who attended the meeting urged Government to continue with the programme and increase the inputs to cover at least two-and-a-half hectares.

Cottco depot manager for Chinhoyi Mr George Kata confirmed the bumper cotton harvest in Mhangura and other parts of the province.

“We have since established 10 buying points in Mhangura alone due to the increase in the number of farmers who showed interest in the Presidential initiative,” he said.

Mr Kata said the new points could also offer employment opportunities in the district.

Government introduced Presidential Cotton Support Input Scheme to revive the cotton industry with farmers getting seed, fertilisers and chemicals to cover a hectare.