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Food supply

Government Launches Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Cotton Production for Rural Development and Economic Growth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has outlined the government's plan to position cotton as a cornerstone of rural development and economic growth in the Second Republic of Zimbabwe. The initiative aims to prioritize local communities, create jobs, and empower farmers by integrating them into the broader economic framework. The government is constructing an oil expression plant in Gokwe and plans to replicate it in other areas, with the ultimate goal of making Zimbabwe a major cotton producer in Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government's plan emphasizes a sustainable approach to agriculture, prioritizing local communities and ensuring food security before venturing into cash crops.
  • The agriculture sector, particularly cotton, is positioned as a catalyst for rural transformation and economic empowerment.
  • The initiative aims to create jobs and transform local economies by empowering farmers and integrating them into the broader economic framework.
  • The government has sent a delegation to West Africa to learn lessons from smallholder producers and is working with the private sector to develop a structured framework for the growth of the sector.
  • The government is focusing on value addition and beneficiation, with the construction of an oil expression plant in Gokwe and plans to replicate this in Checheche and Muzarabani.
  • The government takes the cotton sector seriously, with the goal of making Zimbabwe a major cotton producer in Africa, positioning it as an agent for rural transformation and improvement of livelihoods.
  • The cotton value chain approach aims to enable the growth of the sector, with the government and private sector working together to develop a structured framework.

Statistics:

  • 500 households are involved in cotton production.
  • The government is constructing an oil expression plant in Gokwe, with plans to replicate this in Checheche and Muzarabani.
  • A delegation from Zimbabwe visited West Africa to learn lessons on smallholder production, returning with a team from Benin.
  • Smallholder producers in Benin are one of the biggest producers in Africa, and Zimbabwe aims to follow in their footsteps.

Sources:

  • Dr Anxious Masuka, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister
  • Post Cabinet Briefing, last week
  • Vision 2030

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