Zimbabwe: Consolidate interventions to stop cotton industry's downward spiral

The article highlights the challenges and potential of cotton farming in Zimbabwe, focusing on the significant increase in yield per hectare over the past four decades. It notes a notable improvement in yield from 1,752 kilogrammes per hectare in 1980 to 504 kilogrammes per hectare in 2023, with the sector's contribution to the national economy growing from 1% to 10% of commercial agriculture output. The government and private sector are encouraged to continue their efforts to improve the sector, with a focus on providing farmers with better access to inputs, affordable financing, and reasonable prices for services and inputs. The article emphasizes the need for addressing high interest rates, unreasonable prices of critical inputs, and the issue of delayed payments to prevent farmers from abandoning cotton for other crops. The potential of cotton farming to stimulate rural economic development and employment is underscored, making it crucial to address these challenges to ensure the sector's viability and growth.