Concern over shortage of cotton seeds this coming farming season

There is a huge concern about the availability of cotton seed for the upcoming planting season, largely due to the drought that reduced seed cotton output, some figures gleaned by the publication show.

Despite the country’s ambitious target of 270 000 tonnes of cotton for the 2024/25 season, information obtained by this publication suggests that Zimbabwe may face challenges in achieving its target.

The country’s previous cotton production has been significantly impacted by El Niño-induced droughts, leading to crop failures and a historic low output of 13 000 tonnes in the last selling season, which hardly lasted for a month.

This year’s production is a stark contrast to the 82 000 tonnes produced in the previous season and the 352 000 tonnes, the highest tonnage the country produced during 2011/12 season.

Apart from the drought, the Presidential Inputs Scheme (PIS), administered by Cottco and meant to support 85 percent of Zimbabwe’s cotton production, faced challenges due to the transfer of input distribution responsibility to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

While intended to prevent inputs theft, the transfer of the responsibility led to logistical difficulties for farmers, particularly those in remote areas. Previously, Cottco’s decentralised network minimised travel distances for farmers.

The shift to GMB resulted in delayed input distribution and increased opportunities for input misuse, according to farmer organisations.

Some farmers are reported to have diverted inputs intended for cotton to other crops while the lack of proper contracts further exacerbated these issues.

The challenges contributed to a significant decrease in the scheme’s uptake, as some farmers abandoned their participation, farmer organisations said.

Cottco is a major source of livelihoods for thousands of households and a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings.

Quton, the sole producer of cotton planting seed, is reportedly to have only 200 tonnes in stock, according to industry sources while Cottco has a carryover seed of just under 1 000 tonnes from the previous season.

However, due to the high oil content of cotton seed, a portion of the carryover may not be suitable for germination.

Zimbabwean farmers use between 10 and 15 kg of seed per hectare but the recommended standard in 20 kg.

About 7 200 tonnnes of plating seed in required this year.

“The numbers (of planting seed stocks) are not looking good,” said a senior executive with a local cotton merchant.

The cotton seed output of 13 000 tonnes could potentially yield 6 000 tonnes of ginned seed.

However, not all ginned seed is suitable for planting, as specific regulations apply. Additionally, some merchants have signed commercial contracts with oil seed expressers, further limiting the availability of seed for planting.

“These factors combined indicate a significant shortage of planting seed for the upcoming cotton season, raising concerns about the future of the industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Zimbabweans,” the executive said.

Imports of cotton seed are not a viable option due to exorbitant costs. The cost of importing a kilogramme of hybrid seed is approximately US$22,80, while open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) can be obtained for around US$1,70.

In addition to the high cost, imported hybrids have demonstrated inferior performance compared to OPVs in terms of both yield and fabric quality. This makes them a less attractive option for Zimbabwean cotton farmers.

Industry players have suggested that converting ginned seed into planting seed, after conducting germination tests, is a potential short-term and low-cost solution to address the seed shortage.

Seed with germination rates between 80 and 100 percent could be used for the current season.

The approach would also provide an opportunity to reassess and strengthen the country’s seed multiplication programme.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary, Prof Obert Jiri, declined to comment.

According to the 2024/25 summer plan, the total cost of production is estimated at US$248 million, with the private sector financing 33 percent, being 90 000 hectares.

For Pfumvudza cotton, the target is to plant 180 000 ha.

Two plots each of 0,25 ha per grower will be required to access inputs, and both are mandatory by October to access inputs.

While the drought was a significant factor contributing to the record low crop yield, industry stakeholders have called for a multifaceted approach to address the underlying structural challenges affecting the sector.

This includes refining the funding model and creating a conducive environment for collaboration between the government and private sector.-ebsinesswweekl