GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO REVIVE COTTON SECTOR THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Today, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Zambia’s cotton sector by promoting climate-smart technologies and strengthening value chain development.

Minister of Agriculture,Mr Reuben Phiri Mtolo, MP, made the remarks during the Cotton Development Trust Cotton Field Day held in Mazabuka under the theme “Increasing Cotton Productivity and Farmer Self-Reliance through Climate-Smart Technologies.”

The Minister noted that the cotton sector remains a strategic value chain with strong potential to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), industrialisation, and export diversification.

However, he acknowledged that production has declined to approximately 8,200 metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 agricultural season due to high production costs, pest infestations, low yields, and limited access to affordable inputs.

He emphasised that increasing productivity is key to reversing this trend, highlighting the importance of adopting cost-effective and climate-smart solutions such as biochar and biopesticides.

“Government is encouraging research institutions and industry players to ensure that these technologies are accessible to smallholder farmers in order to reduce production costs and improve yields,” said Mr.Mtolo.

The Minister further stressed the importance of value addition, noting that Zambia must transition from exporting raw cotton to producing finished textiles and garments locally.

He added that Zambia’s central geographical position offers a competitive advantage as a regional hub for cotton processing and textile manufacturing.

Highlighting ongoing interventions, Mr Mtolo cited tax incentives for value addition and the re-opening of Mulungushi Textiles by President Hakainde Hichilema as key milestones.

The initiative includes an investment exceeding K14 million to rehabilitate the ginnery and factory, alongside a US$100 million out-grower scheme aimed at supporting farmers with inputs, extension services, and market access.

He also referenced the enactment of the Cotton Act No. 14 of 2025, which is expected to enhance transparency in price determination and strengthen stakeholder confidence. Government has further taken steps to curb the distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs through stricter legislation, including proposed penalties of not less than 10 years imprisonment.

Additionally, a US$1.6 million partnership with Brazil is supporting technology transfer, capacity building, and extension services to improve productivity in the cotton sub-sector.

The Minister called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and urged farmers to honour contractual agreements with ginners to ensure sustainability within the value chain.

He also tasked the Cotton Development Trust to ensure efficient and consistent operation of the ginnery to provide a reliable market and improve farmer incomes.

He also encouraged farmers to adopt the technologies showcased during the field day to improve productivity and livelihoods.

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