Agriculture Minister Ben Kapita says Cotton Law by 2007-08
26 Jun '07
1 min read
In a strong voice, Zambian Agriculture Minister Ben Kapita has reccomended cotton producers not to sell produce to buyers who do not finance them.
While illegal cotton imports are marring the prospects of growth of the industry in Zambia which has more than 300,000 small holder farmers who are dependent on it and who are likely to produce 55,000 tons this year, according to the Minister. Addressing media persons, he informed that cotton being the staple cash crop, the Government plans to put in place Cotton Law by 2007-2008, to curb ginners from illegally importing cotton even as they tend to refuse financing farmers. The Minister recalled that during 'save Zambia's cotton industry' campaign, ginners had endorsed farmers to default over loans taken, offering higher prices at farm gates. Ben said ginners do not suffer any loses like investment cost, business risks and other critical inputs, thus promoting illegitimate imports that pose serious threat to the country's economy and cotton industry, in particular.
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