Zimbabwe’s Cotton Industry Rebounds Under Government Support

By Edward Makuzva

After years of struggle and uncertainty, Zimbabwe’s “white gold” cotton is making a steady comeback, thanks to renewed government support, improved inputs, and strategic interventions aimed at revitalizing the entire value chain.

Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, says the cotton industry, once a key pillar of the rural economy, is now regaining its footing after a difficult period marked by low production, climate challenges, and financing constraints.

“Over the last few years we have seen challenges in terms of cotton production, owing to various factors — climate change included, and of course the need to strengthen the value chain,” said Prof Jiri.

“We have come in to ensure that our crop is saved, and so the white gold is now on the rise.”At its lowest point, national cotton output fell below 20,000 kilograms a symbolic marker of the industry’s decline.

However, thanks to coordinated efforts between government, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco), and other partners, production is now steadily increasing.

The government’s decision to finance Cottco has proven pivotal, ensuring that over 520,000 smallholder farmers across the country receive timely inputs and support.

This intervention, Prof Jiri said, guarantees that “funding for these farmers is assured” and helps protect livelihoods in cotton-growing regions such as Gokwe, Muzarabani, and the Lowveld.

“We are ensuring that every farmer gets a minimum input package,” he added.

“We want to make sure that our producers have all the necessary resources such as seed, fertilizer, and chemicals so that they can produce the cotton they must produce.”

Prof Jiri revealed that the government is also taking a long-term approach by encouraging players across the value chain from spinners to fabric manufacturers to invest back into primary cotton production.

This integrated strategy aims to reduce dependency on imported fabrics and strengthen local textile manufacturing.

Looking ahead, he added that the 2025–2026 season promises brighter prospects.

The target is to support all 520,000 households cultivating about 285,000 hectares of cotton.

Inputs for the government-supported program are already secured, with seed supplies sufficient for several seasons.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that a notable innovation in the sector is the introduction of hybrid cotton seed, which has shown higher yields and better adaptability to local conditions.

Farmers have embraced it enthusiastically, reporting better harvests and improved income prospects.

“We are seeing farmers liking the new hybrid seed because it produces higher yields,” said Prof Jiri.

“Fertilizer is also available for all farmers under the program, and our extension officers are ready to support the summer season.”

With improved seed varieties, adequate fertilizer supplies, and renewed confidence among farmers, Zimbabwe’s cotton industry is set for a strong rebound.

The government’s vision is to restore cotton’s status as a cornerstone of the rural economy creating jobs, earning foreign currency, and driving industrial growth through textile production.

As the summer rains approach, optimism is in the air once again in the cotton fields.

The story of Zimbabwe’s white gold is being rewritten one bale at a time.