Cottco readies for 60 000t cotton intake

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 Mr Mutenha

Edgar Vhera

Agriculture Specialist Writer

COTTON picking has officially started with Cottco currently intensifying logistical processes to ensure a seamless and efficient marketing season.

The cotton marketing season starts in a few weeks.

This comes as arrangements to give farmers their outstanding payments from the previous season are underway while engagement of transporters who will be ferrying the crop has also started.

Cottco acting chief executive, Mr Rockie Mutenha, said the company had contracted 109 362 hectares and was expecting not less than 60 000 tonnes of seed cotton this season.

“We are ready for the marketing season and arrangements to disburse farmers’ outstanding payments are on course,” said Mr Mutenha.

He called on farmers who need picking bags and woolpacks to approach their business units.

Cottco has also invited prospective transporters to register for enlisting in the logistics database.

A recent X (formerly Twitter) post from Cottco read: “Cottco is urgently looking for haulage service providers with the following truck tonnages: seven, 10, 15, 20 and 30 to move seed cotton bales from buying points and transit depots to the following ginnery depots — Chinhoyi, Chiredzi, Gokwe, Kadoma, Sanyati and Muzarabani.

“All interested transporters should submit company profiles consisting of the following documents for registration; letter of introduction, certificate of incorporation, CR14, CR6, valid operator’s license, certified copies of registration books (horses and trailers), provide agreement of sale where applicable, valid certificate of vehicle fitness and trade history/reference (from at least one reputable company, reference from Cottco is acceptable),” read the notice.

Meanwhile, the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report: First Round (CLAFA-1) 2024/25 summer season report shows that cotton production improved this year compared to last season which was negatively affected by the El Nino induced drought.

According to the crop and livestock report, 122 493 hectares had been planted by farmers across the country.

The report indicated that the crop was in good space as a result of the favourable rainfall season.

Mashonaland Central province had the largest hectarage of 39 452 followed by Midlands with 38 125 ha and Manicaland at 20 020 ha.

Last year the country produced the lowest seed cotton output of 13 500 tonnes due to the effect of the El Nino drought which affected both hectarage and productivity. Cottco took delivery of 9 828 tonnes of the seasonal total.

In 2023 the country produced 90 100 tonnes of seed cotton and Cottco took delivery of 69 200 tonnes of the crop. Cottco is spearheading the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme for cotton.