PM orders review of cotton buying system to boost competition

Itilima. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and cotton industry stakeholders to review the crop’s marketing system and introduce greater competition among buyers to ensure farmers receive better returns.

Dr Nchemba issued the directive on September 14, 2026, during a public meeting at Langangabilili grounds in Itilima District, Simiyu Region, after farmers complained about a system that allows a single buyer to operate in a particular area.

He directed Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo and stakeholders to meet within one month and submit a progress report by October 14.

Dr Nchemba said the Government did not want the cotton industry to decline, stressing its importance to the economy, particularly in the Lake Zone.

He said the new system should take into account production costs, cotton prices and farmers’ interests so that marketing challenges did not discourage them from growing the crop.