Best Farming Practices (Step-by-Step)
- Variety Selection: Use high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrids (e.g., CRI varieties
- Land Preparation: Deep plough and rip; prepare flat seedbed.
- Planting: Optimal time is October–November; spacing 90 cm rows × 30 cm with
- Fertilization: Apply Compound L (200–250 kg/ha), top dress with AN at squaring
- Weed Control: Manual and chemical control important in early stages.
Pest and Disease Management
- Major pests: Aphids, bollworms, red spider mites
- Diseases: Bacterial blight, Alternaria leaf spot
- Apply IPM using scouting, biological predators, resistant varieties, and selective
Provincial Differences
- Gokwe, Sanyati, Muzarabani, Chiredzi are dominant cotton regions due to warm
Markets and Profitability
- Local buyers: Cottco, Alliance Ginneries
- Global demand: Textiles in Asia and Europe
- Yield: 1–2 tonnes/ha
- Cotton lint price: ~$0.90–$1.20/kg
- Profitability depends on pest control and grading