Zimbabwe’s cotton sector is going through a revival. There has been a renewed interest in production from thousands of small scale farmers in major producing areas across the country. This year, output is projected to reach at least 1, 00 000 tons.

The opening up of the sector to new players was the death knell for Zimbabwean cotton. From being one of global cotton’s top quality producers the sector had virtually collapsed with production levels falling to less than ten per cent of normal volumes. Yields crashed, thereby killing off viability and increasing levels of side-marketing. This created a toxic downward spiral of low yields, high side marketing and low inputs support.

Yield growth will drive grower viability, improved debt repayment and the recovery of cotton production. The reinstatement of the seasonal pool price and quality bonus payments would improve crop quality and sector viability, enabling the nation to regain its reputation for top quality. Higher yields and higher crop volumes would also result in improved operational efficiencies and competitiveness, thereby allowing higher producer prices.

It is imperative that efficiencies are maximised through economies of scale arising from the contracting of a single operator. This will allow increase in the cotton producer price, thereby enhancing viability and the growth of the sector. With no other cotton contractors, this will instantly resolve the challenge of side-marketing.