The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe Limited (Cottco) said it had increased its inputs disbursements to contracted farmers by 30% this agricultural season compared to last year.
Cottco spokesperson Veronica Kadandara told NewsDay about 156 673 cotton growers were targeted to participate under Cottco’s Inputs Credit Scheme with 142 650 farmers having been assessed to date.
She said 250 000 hectares were expected to be put under cotton compared to 208 422 hectares last season.
The inputs credit scheme — which has been extended to Lupane and Lusulu in Matabeleland North Province — is set to benefit contracted growers country-wide.
“The response from farmers has been overwhelming and Cottco is targeting a total of 2 500 tonnes of which 2 160 tonnes had been disbursed and planting is in progress,” Kadandara said. Kadandara said Cottco had targeted four districts in Matabeleland North, namely Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Umguza, Bubi and Insiza in Matabeleland South.
