Gov’t to Revitalising Cotton Sector Through Climate-Smart Technologies and Value Addition
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Zambia’s cotton sector through the promotion of climate-smart technologies and strengthened value chain development aimed at boosting productivity and farmer self-reliance.
Minister of Agriculture, Mr Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, made the remarks during the Cotton Development Trust Cotton Field Day held in Mazabuka under the theme “Increasing Cotton Productivity and Farmer Self-Reliance through Climate-Smart Technologies.”
Mr Mtolo said the cotton sector remains a strategic value chain with significant potential to contribute to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), industrialisation agenda, and export diversification efforts.
However, he noted that production has declined to approximately 8,200 metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 agricultural season, attributing the drop to high production costs, pest infestations, low yields, and limited access to affordable inputs.
He emphasised that boosting productivity is essential to reversing the decline, stressing the need for farmers to adopt cost-effective and climate-smart solutions such as biochar and biopesticides.
“Government is encouraging research institutions and industry players to ensure that these technologies are accessible to smallholder farmers in order to reduce production costs and improve yields,” Mr Mtolo said.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of value addition, stating that Zambia must move away from exporting raw cotton towards producing finished textiles and garments locally.
He added that the country’s central geographical location provides a competitive advantage to position it as a regional hub for cotton processing and textile manufacturing.
Mr Mtolo highlighted ongoing interventions, including tax incentives for value addition and the re-opening of Mulungushi Textiles by President Hakainde Hichilema. The initiative involves an investment of more than K14 million to rehabilitate the ginnery and factory, alongside a US$100 million out-grower scheme to support farmers with inputs, extension services, and market access.
He also referenced the enactment of the Cotton Act No. 14 of 2025, which is expected to enhance transparency in price determination and strengthen stakeholder confidence in the sector. Government has further intensified efforts to curb counterfeit agricultural inputs through stricter legislation, including proposed penalties of not less than 10 years imprisonment for offenders.
In addition, a US$1.6 million partnership with Brazil is supporting technology transfer, capacity building, and improved extension services within the cotton sub-sector.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and urged farmers to honour contractual agreements with ginners to ensure sustainability across the value chain. He also encouraged farmers to adopt the technologies showcased at the field day to improve productivity and livelihoods.
