Cottco targets 60,000mt

CLOUDINE MATOLA

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) is projecting a significant recovery in cotton production this year, targeting the purchase of 60,000 metric tonnes of seed cotton.

This marks a substantial increase from the 15,000 metric tonnes recorded last year, a season that was severely affected by El Niño-induced droughts and late seed distribution.

In an exclusive interview with Cottco’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rockie Mutenha, he attributed last year’s poor yields to erratic rainfall patterns and delays in input distribution, which left many farmers struggling to plant on time. However, with improved rainfall this season and strategic replanting efforts, Cottco is optimistic about surpassing last year’s dismal figures.

Mutenha explained that the company had initially planned for a much higher output—targeting 150,000 metric tonnes—but external factors necessitated a downward revision.

“Our original plan was to achieve 150,000 metric tonnes, with an expected harvest of between 100,000 and 120,000 metric tonnes. However, factors such as delayed rainfall and seed distribution affected the planting season. Despite these challenges, we still expect to collect at least 60,000 metric tonnes of seed cotton this year,” he said.

Cottco has contracted 111,000 farmers to cultivate cotton on approximately 130,000 hectares of land. While the crop remains young, with some plants only about five weeks old, Mutenha remains confident that continued rainfall into March will ensure a successful yield.

“Effective rains only came around Christmas, prompting farmers to begin planting late—some as late as the first week of January. Because of this, many had to replant two or three times. Despite this delay, the crop is currently looking very healthy. In areas like Muzarabani, for instance, about 80% of the crop is five weeks old and developing well,” Mutenha said.

Due to the late start to the planting season, the cotton harvest period is likely to be pushed back. Under normal circumstances, farmers would begin picking cotton at the end of April or early May, but this year’s crop will likely require additional weeks to mature fully.

Mutenha said sustained rainfall in March will be critical to ensuring that the crop reaches full maturity and produces optimal yields.

“If the rains continue into March, we can confidently say this year’s harvest will be significantly better than last year. In 2024, the nation produced less than 15,000 metric tonnes of seed cotton, which was one of the lowest outputs in recent history,” he said.

One of Cottco’s strategic moves this season has been to classify farmers based on productivity levels to ensure that inputs are distributed efficiently. The company has introduced a three-tier system to allocate resources and support more effectively.

• Gold Class Farmers – These are the most productive farmers, successfully managing three acres and above. They receive the highest level of support, as they contribute significantly to overall output.
• Silver Class Farmers – This category includes those who cultivate between one hectare and three hectares effectively.
• Bronze Class Farmers – These are small-scale farmers managing one to two acres of cotton. While their production is lower, they still play a vital role in the sector.

Mutenha emphasized that this new categorization model is aimed at optimizing productivity and ensuring sustainable growth in the cotton industry.

“We carefully selected farmers based on their past production records, productivity levels, and loyalty to Cottco. The goal was to ensure that inputs were distributed strategically to maximize yields. The Gold and Silver class farmers, though fewer in number, contribute the most to total output,” he explained.

However, he assured that no farmer was left out.

“Even those managing just an acre are part of the program. We are providing them with not just inputs but also knowledge transfer and guidance to help them improve their productivity over time.”

Cotton remains a strategic cash crop in Zimbabwe, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers across the country. The sector contributes to rural livelihoods and has potential for significant export earnings. However, challenges such as climate change, delayed input distribution, and price volatility have threatened its viability in recent years.

Mutenha believes that consistent support from stakeholders—including government subsidies, timely input supply, and access to markets—will be crucial in ensuring that cotton farming remains profitable and sustainable for Zimbabwean farmers.

With improved rainfall patterns and a more structured farmer support system, Cottco is optimistic about a better harvest season in 2025. While the original target of 150,000 metric tonnes remains a long-term goal, the anticipated 60,000 metric tonnes this year signals a step towards recovery after last year’s devastating shortfall.

The next few months will be critical in determining the final output, but for now, all eyes are on March’s rainfall patterns—a key factor in securing the much-needed bumper harvest.