USDA: Zimbabwe cotton and products annual report

In 2009, the Zimbabwean government introduced new legislation to regulate the cotton industry. The new legislation restored confidence in the cotton credit market by curbing “side sales” and has positively impacted cotton production in Zimbabwe. Production in the 2009/10 season is forecasted to increase by 28 percent to 265,000MT. As a result, Post expects cotton lint exports in 2010 to reach about 89,000 MT (408 bales), up from a total of 73,888 MT in 2009.
 

Seed cotton production in the 2009/10 season is forecast to increase by 28 percent to 265,000 MT from 207,000 MT in 2008/9 season whilst area under cotton declined 8.92 percent from 370,000 hectares in 2008/9 to an estimated at 337,000 hectares in 2009/10. The increase in seed cotton production mainly results from increased input support and increased investor confidence following the introduction of new legislation (SI 142 142 of 2009) to regulate the cotton industry.

Commercial cultivation of GMO cotton is still outlawed although trials can be conducted under the supervision of the Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe. There were no local trials of Bt/Round-up Ready cotton in 2009/10 season, but the sole cotton seed producer is conducting trials through the technology provider of Bt/Round-up Ready cotton in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. There are plans to try to start the trials in Zimbabwe in the 2010/2011 season.

Cotton lint production in MY 2010/2011 is expected to reach 108.65 MT (498,000 bales) and cotton lint exports are forecast at 89,000 MT (408,000 bales). Domestic consumption of cotton lint is forecast to fall well below the 30 percent statutory quota provision due to viability and operational challenges affecting the local textile industry.

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