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Malawi Should Join World Cotton Body- Icac

Cotton - Farmers Cotton - Farmers - File photo

International Cotton Advisory Committee (Icac) has tipped Malawi to venture into research for increased cotton production.

Icac Chief Executive Officer, Kai Hughes told Zodiak after concluding his 3-day visit to the country, that this can be achieved if Lilongwe can become a member of the committee.

“The committee has about 2, 000 researchers, who are specialized in various trades of cotton,” disclosed Kai.

Apart from the research, farmers of member countries, can also be trained and exposed to farm inputs that can benefit their business.

Malawi’s cotton production has been downward from a record 100,000 metric tons in 2010 to around 10, 000 in 2018.

During his visit to Malawi, Kai, met Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Cotton Council of Malawi, Cotton Farmers Association of Malawi and some Ginners.

Cotton Council of Malawi Chief Executive Officer Cosmas Luwanda attributed low production of cotton in Malawi to use of farm inputs that have for the past years not assisted farmers.

Said Luanda: `”Our farmers have been assisted. It is our hope that with coming in of Cotton Act, things will improve for better.”  

Cotton farming advocate, African Institute for Corporate Citizenship CEO Felix Lombe says “Kai’s visit was timely. This is the time Malawi should fight hard to become a member of Icac.” Cotton is Malawi’s 4th forex earner.

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