By Phillimon Backson
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, has announced this year’s cotton prices, setting the minimum buying price at K1,500 per kilogram.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Salome Gangire, the move is aimed at protecting farmers from unfair trading practices and ensuring they receive better value for their produce during this year’s marketing season.
Gangire said the government expects the new price structure to motivate more farmers to invest in cotton farming.
The announcement comes barely days after cotton farmers in the country complained about delays by the government in setting farm-gate prices for the commodity.
Meanwhile, agriculture expert Ronald Chimwaza has commended the government for the decision, describing the price as fair and timely.
Chimwaza said the increase is likely to improve farmers’ earnings amid rising production costs and economic challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
