El Nino reduces cotton seed yield

Zimbabwe is expecting a decline in seed cotton yield from 90 000 tonnes last year to 40 00 tonnes this year due to the El Nino-induced drought, an official has said.

Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Nr Clever Isaya said this at a media briefing announcing the commencement of the 2024 seed cotton marketing season.

“From the crops and livestock assessment that have been done, for the 2024 season, we expect about 40 000 tonnes down from last year’s 90 000 tonnes,” he said.

Mr Isaya said the 2024 marketing season comes against the backdrop of the El Nino-induced drought that led to reduced cotton yields. “The season has been challenging, characterised by a late and false start of the rains followed by prolonged dry spells. This adversely affected yields. Climate-proofing of cotton through adoption of Pfumvudza/Intwasa becomes key to mitigate the impact of climate change,” he said.

Mr Isaya said the 2024 seed cotton marketing season which started last Thursday, will end on 6 July. He said a total of 647 common buying points (CBP) have been established throughout all cotton growing areas comprising 164 permanent and the rest being mobile points. – New Ziana