Maravi

(HERALD) Regional cotton producers’ association formed

Regional cotton producers’ association formed
Friday, 09 September 2011 02:00
Agriculture Reporter

Southern African countries have formed a regional cotton producers association to develop a profitable and sustainable sector that contribute to the welfare of growers and the general economic development of the region.

The Southern African Cotton Producers Association was established last month in South Africa following a series of consultation meetings among members.

SACPA comprises of representatives from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, Madagascar, Tanzania and South Africa.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union, second Vice president, Mr Berean Mukwende and Zimbabwe Cotton Producers Association official, Mr Meridieth Muchena, represents Zimbabwe. Mr Mukwende said the association aims to protect, defend and advance common interests of cotton primary producers in the region.

"Our key objectives are improving productivity and promote increased production of quality cotton in a viable and sustainable manner, promote solidarity among member associations and facilitate development of strategic partnerships between cotton associations and public and private sector stakeholders," he said.

Mr Mukwende said an interim committee comprising cotton associations from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia was mandated to draft governance instruments and strategic documents, resource mobilisation and implementation of some key activities.

The cotton industry has been dogged by poor prices, which left some farmers with no motivation of producing more. The price is determined internationally and this has a negative impact on other countries especially those that do not subsidise their farmers.

In Zimbabwe farmers produce the crop under contract farming and usually complain of high input costs and inadequate inputs. This has led to an increase in side marketing as farmers sold to buyers who would have not provided inputs. Growers have continuously` called for subsidies on inputs so they could break even at the end of the season. Most countries subsidise their cotton growers and also offer farmers markets.

For instance China buys cotton from its growers so even if the private sector does not want to buy from farmers, growers are guaranteed of a market.

Labels: COTTON

posted by MrK @ 2:30 PM