Cotton input rollout begins slowly for 2025-26 season
Zimbabwe aims to harvest 189,000 metric tons of cotton during the upcoming 2025/26 agricultural season, representing a dramatic increase from the previous year’s output. Input distribution began recently, though progress remains limited, with only two licensed companies actively supplying farmers across Manicaland and Masvingo provinces. Agricultural Marketing Authority data confirmed 1,315 growers received seed packages sufficient for planting nearly 2,700 hectares.
Five merchants have registered with the marketing authority to support cultivation efforts nationwide. New regulations require all contractors to sign formal agreements outlining responsibilities and use centralized farmer registration systems. Violations will trigger financial penalties based on offense severity. Senior agricultural officials emphasized treating growers as legitimate business operators deserving timely access to complete planting materials. This approach seeks to maximize yields by enabling planting during optimal early rainfall periods. The massive production target reflects national priorities for expanding this key cash crop sector after recent challenging seasons.
