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*FARMERS WANT COTTON AT K10, PLEAD WITH GOV’T AS MARKETING SEASON OPENS*
Lusaka, Thursday (May 9, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT
Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ) Executive Director, John Ngwenyama, says cotton farmers are highly expectant that ginners will buy cotton at K10 per kilogram following the opening of the marketing season in May, 2024.
Mr. Ngwenyama said the ginners offered only K6 last year, despite CAZ’s appeal for Government intervention to set cotton prices between K8 to K10 per kilogram.
“As we enter the Cotton Marketing season of May 2024, our expectation is that farmers should receive no less than K10 per kilogram,” he said.
The Cotton Expert said the rationale behind his organization’s stance is to incentivize farmers to engage in cotton production actively.
“At CAZ, we are dedicated to revitalizing the cotton sector, which will, in turn, encourage farmers to contribute to restoring the sector’s vitality,” he said.
Mr. Ngwenyama said CAZ’s consultations on international prices have led Consultants to advise that the International Indicative Prices are currently at a level where ginners can feasibly offer K10 to Zambian farmers.
The CAZ Executive Director is, therefore, requesting the support of Government to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation that does not fall below K10.
Mr. Ngwenyama urged all stakeholders and ginners to consider the extensive labor and time farmers invest in cotton production, which is a labor-intensive process.
He said there is need for fair pricing to sustain the cotton industry and support the hardworking farmers of Zambia.
This is contained in a statement issued by CAZ Communications Officer, Euphrasia Banda.
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