THE Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) has roped in police to help fight the side-marketing of the white gold produced with support from the Presidential Input Scheme.
Cottco chief executive officer Roki Mutenha and national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development in a joint statement Thursday.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that the law takes its course on anyone found to be side-marketing seed cotton produced through the Presidential Input Scheme. In this regard, any buyer who will try to influence farmers to engage in side-marketing activities will also be brought to book,” part of the statement read.
Under the scheme, farmers receive free inputs as seeds, chemicals, fertilisers, tillage and agronomy support from the government. In return, they are obliged to sell their produce to Cottco, a government entity.
Last year, seven marketing breaches were recorded with the culprits fined US$10 000 amid calls for stiffer penalties including jail terms to end the vice.
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