THE Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have partnered to secure seed cotton produced from inputs disbursed under the Presidential Input Scheme.
In the initiative, farmers, who benefited from the programme, are required to deliver their produce to Cottco.
In a statement recently, Cottco chief executive officer Roki Mutenha said the company was the official off-taker of all the seed cotton produced under the scheme.
“The broader commitment by the government in rolling out this programme is to ensure sustenance, employment creation, rural development and bolstering of the cotton value chain in line with National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030,” Mutenha said.
This season, Cottco is making immediate payment for seed cotton delivered to common buying points.
“Under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, farmers receive inputs such as seeds, chemicals, fertilisers, tillage and agronomy support at no cost. In return, they are expected to establish, maintain and deliver seed cotton to Cottco when marketing commences,” Mutenha said.
ZRP national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police would ensure that the law takes its course on anyone found to be side-marketing seed cotton produced under 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,” Nyathi said.
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