By Wallace Mawire
Zimbabwe today commemorated the 2025 World Cotton Day joining a host of other countries growing the cotton crop.
The commemorations hosted by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe in Harare were held under the theme: Cotton:The fabric of our lives. The event was officially graced by Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries,Water and Rural Development on behalf of Minister, Anxious Masuku.
The commemorations included an update on the 2025/2026 seasonal weather forecast for cotton growing areas by the Meteorological Department,a panel discussion on cotton and livehoods, empowering rural communities. The focus of the discussion was on how cotton sustains rural families,reduces poverty and creates opportunities for youth and women in agriculture.
Another panel discussion was on cotton financing, building sustainable farmer support systems. The discussion focused on strengthening contract farming models, improving payment turnaround times and introducing innovative crop insurance. Another discussion was on cotton value addition with a focus on transforming cotton into textiles, clothing and export products to create jobs and drive industrialization.
The issue of cotton on the global stage to strengthen competitiveness. This focused on Zimbabwe’s position in the global cotton market and, price trends, quality improvement and trade opportunities. Another discussion focused on cotton science and innovation highlighting issues of growing more with less.
The focus of the discussion was on adoption of improved seed varieties, climate smart farming techniques and mechanisation to boost your yields sustainably.
In his keynote address Professor Jiri said cotton is an important crop in Zimbabwe but over the years it has been facing production challenges, some attributed to climate change. Referring to cotton in Zimbabwe as the former white gold, Professor Jiri said the country under government’s leadership is aiming to ensure that cotton production picks up to it’s former level. He said that if cotton production rises to former expected levels, textile inputs which are rife in the country will be minimized. Professor Jiri said government under the Presidential lnputs Scheme will be providing a minimum input package for cotton farmers. He said government is targeting to support at least 520 000 households under the scheme. Professor Jiri urged local spinners,processors and weavers to support primary production of the cotton crop and farmers. He said the country is expecting at 300 000 hectares of cotton in the coming season. He said the country is expecting an improved cotton crop in the forthcoming 2025//2026 season. Professor Jiri said government is intensifying efforts to support cotton farmers and address price challenges.