ONE of the country’s largest lint exporters, Southern Cotton, is undergoing massive expansion across the country with the acquisition of new ginneries in Glendale and Gweru.
To date, three ginneries have been set up, targeting an impressive 30 000 metric tonnes of lint.
Southern Cotton is recognised as one of the most notable foreign currency generators, playing a crucial role in supporting government’s thrust on value-addition.
Company officials told journalists on Tuesday during a tour of the Gweru ginnery that the initiative not only enhances local production, but also strengthens the national economy.
The company employs approximately 800 people throughout its operations across the country.
Southern Cotton managing director Caos Nzenze said the expansion was ongoing despite macro-economic challenges afflicting the local business environment.
“The company has so far managed to acquire new ginneries in Glendale and Gweru, while efforts are underway to refurbish the Shamva ginnery,” he said.
“Southern Cotton will continue to ensure it contributes towards the development of government programmes. Cotton is the white gold with capacity to generate millions in foreign currency.”
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To date, Southern Cotton has injected millions in foreign currency earnings through cotton lint exports.
Zimbabwe is among major cotton producers in Africa and has been exporting quality cotton lint to the world.
At least 70% of Zimbabwe’s lint is exported, while only 30% is consumed locally due to low-capacity utilisation in Zimbabwe.
“We are increasing hectarage under cotton in all major cotton-producing areas by embarking on own cotton production and we are also opening new areas, particularly in new resettlement areas but this means the company must set up ginneries in those areas,” said production and operations director Simanos Zhou.
“We have huge ideas for this country’s cotton sector and there are fantastic prospects.”
The company is in the process of raising funds for the expansion of its operations with about US$2,5 million being required for the refurbishment of the Shamva ginnery.
Cotton production is largely undertaken by small-holder farmers in Zimbabwe, with an average of one hectare per farmer.
Production is mainly done, on average, in drier parts of the country with moderate to high temperatures and rainfall amounts averaging 500mm per annum.
Major cotton producing areas include Gokwe, Sanyati, Kadoma, Muzarabani, Mt Darwin, Chipinge, Masvingo, Matabeleland and many others that are suitable for the production of the white gold. Company officials said Southern Cotton, which is a subsidiary of Valley Seeds, was dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting local farmers.
