Cotton layers upbeat

Players in the cotton industry are optimistic about the crop’s production in the 2013/14 season, arguing that they have prepared well for this season.

Cotton is one of the country’s strategic crops alongside tobacco, tea and maize. According to some experts, the crop has business linkages right from the field to ginning, spinning, weaving and to textile manufacturing plants.

Speaking at a press briefing on cotton production promotion this week, chairperson of the Association of Malawian Cotton Ginners Spencer Zinyemba said they have already sourced the seeds and chemicals and will start registering farmers from September 16.

“We are now moving towards registering farmers to see which ones are coming on board and find out if the hectarage that we have targeted, 150 000, is adequate; if not we will look for additional input,” said Zinyemba.

Last season was marred by late availability of seeds, pesticides and drought.

“Last year, inputs such as seeds were distributed in December when farmers had already planted and pesticides were being sourced in January, but now this is September and we have already sourced the seed and farmers will be happy,” said Zinyemba.

He said two years ago, 100 000 metric tonnes of cotton were produced, but last year the national production went down to about 42 000 metric tonnes.

He however pointed out that they are looking at much more than the 42 000 metric tonnes, considering that the ginning capacity of the ginneries in the country is over 200 000 metric tonnes.

Available figures indicate that cotton is grown by about 200 000 farming families in the country in the cotton growing areas of Shire Valley, Balaka, Machinga, Phalombe, Blantyre, Neno and Karonga.

Malawi currently exports 95 percent of the cotton, while the remaining five percent in processed locally.

FAST FACTS

—The Association of Malawian Cotton Ginners says two years ago, 100 000 metric tonnes of cotton were produced.

—Last year, according to the association, the national production went down to about 42 000 metric tonnes.