Zimbabwe cotton marketing season extended

Published: 3 hours ago

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has extended Zimbabwe's national cotton marketing season to 15 August 2025, giving farmers extra time to deliver their crop amid logistical challenges.

The decision, announced on Monday, follows appeals from farming communities who faced delays in accessing buying points. Traditionally, the cotton marketing season runs from May to July, but changing weather patterns and transportation hurdles have prompted similar extensions in recent years.

The 2025 season, which officially opened on June 9, is expected to be a bumper year, with government projecting output at 61,000 metric tonnes - more than four times the 13,600 metric tonnes harvested last year.

In a statement, AMA said the extension will apply to selected regions and is aimed at ensuring all cotton producers have a fair chance to market their crop. A total of 103 common buying points will remain open during the extension period, spread across key cotton-growing provinces such as Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Midlands.

To handle the expected surge in deliveries, AMA set up 697 cotton buying points nationwide, including 221 permanent stations and 476 mobile units.

"We strongly encourage all cotton growers to expedite their deliveries within the new timeframe. Let us work together to close the season smoothly and successfully," AMA urged.

In line with the government's payment arrangement, cotton farmers are being paid 70 percent in US dollars and 30 percent in ZiG to help shield them from inflationary pressures.
- NewZiana

Tags: Cotton,