The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has extended the cotton selling season, which traditionally closes in mid-August, to the beginning of September to facilitate mop-up sales.
In a statement, AMA chief executive officer Mr Clever Isaya said the cropping season was affected by late rains and cold temperatures, especially in June and July, leading to delays.
“As such, most farmers are still picking their cotton. Following wide consultations, the Agricultural Marketing Authority wishes to advise farmers, contractors and other stakeholders that the 2021/2022 cotton marketing season has been extended,” said Mr Isaya.
Mashonaland West will have only Sanyati District closing on August 31, while other districts will close on September 10.
In Manicaland Province, Chimanimani and Mutasa Districts will remain closed, while Buhera, Chicheche, Mutare and Nyanga will close on August 31.
Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland Provinces will close on August 31.
“Farmers are advised to take advantage of this extension to make mop-up deliveries of their crop as no extensions will be made beyond these dates,” he said.
While 46 million kilogrammes of seed cotton have been delivered to depots across the country, over 800 cotton farmers in Karoi under Hurungwe and Mhangura in Makonde district, who had a late crop due to delayed rains, are still to harvest their crop.
