Police and COTTCO Issue Stern Warning to Cotton Farmers Engaging in Secondary Marketing The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) have jointly issued a stern warning to cotton farmers involved in secondary marketing of the cash crop. According to the notice, farmers who engage in selling their cotton produce outside designated COTTCO marketing points will face severe consequences. This includes the seizure of their cotton and possible prosecution. The authorities have stressed that secondary marketing deprives the country of the much-needed foreign currency earnings and disrupts the orderly marketing of cotton. They have urged farmers to cooperate with the authorities and deliver their cotton through proper channels. “We will not hesitate to take action against those found engaging in this illegal practice,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza of the ZRP. “Cotton is a strategic crop for Zimbabwe, and we need to ensure that it is marketed in a transparent and orderly manner.” COTTCO General Manager Pious Manamike echoed the sentiments, emphasizing that the company has a mandate to protect the interests of cotton farmers and the nation. “Secondary marketing is a threat to the viability of the cotton industry in Zimbabwe,” said Manamike. “Farmers who engage in this practice are not only breaking the law but also hurting themselves and the country as a whole.” The authorities have advised farmers to report any cases of secondary marketing or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or COTTCO depot. The crackdown on secondary marketing is part of a broader effort by the government and law enforcement agencies to curb illicit activities in the agricultural sector. The authorities have emphasized that they will not tolerate any practices that undermine the national economy or the well-being of farmers.Sure, here is a summary of the article about Team Jayco AlUla’s three-pronged bid for glory at the Tour de France:Sure, here is a summary of the article about Team Jayco AlUla’s three-pronged bid for glory at the Tour de France: Michael Matthews, known as ‘Bling’, will headline Team Jayco AlUla’s bid for glory at the Tour de France. Matthews, a four-time stage winner at the Tour de France, is motivated to add to his tally after an excellent start to the season. The Australian will be joined by Dutch sprinter Dylan Groenewegen and British general classification contender Simon Yates as potential threats. Yates, the 2018 Vuelta a España champion, will be aiming for a podium finish. He has held the leader’s jersey in the Giro and Vuelta, but not in the Tour de France yet. Groenewegen got the team off to a brilliant start in 2022 with a stage-three victory, and is hungry for further success. The team also includes Australian stalwarts Luke Durbridge and Chris Harper, as well as Chris Juul-Jensen (Denmark), Luka Mezgec (Slovenia), and Elmar Reinders (Netherlands). The Tour de France departs from Florence, Italy, on June 29.Police and the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) have pledged to take decisive action against cotton farmers found engaging in the illicit selling of cotton, commonly known as ‘secondary marketing.’ In a joint statement, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and COTTCO Managing Director Pious Manamike condemned the practice, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the cotton industry and the country’s economy. “Secondary marketing is a criminal offense that deprives COTTCO of revenue and undermines our ability to provide support services to farmers,” said Manamike. “This behavior also creates unfair competition and disrupts the orderly marketing of cotton.” According to Matanga, police officers will be deployed to monitor cotton-growing areas and apprehend individuals involved in illicit sales. “We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found breaching the law,” he warned. COTTCO urged farmers to adhere to the established marketing channels and reminded them of the benefits of selling their cotton through the company, including access to inputs, technical assistance, and timely payments. “We encourage all cotton farmers to report any suspected cases of secondary marketing to the police or COTTCO,” said Manamike. “Together, we can protect the integrity of the cotton industry and ensure that farmers reap the full benefits of their hard work.” The joint statement comes amidst concerns about widespread secondary marketing in cotton-growing regions, with farmers allegedly being lured by higher prices offered by unscrupulous buyers. The practice is believed to contribute to the loss of revenue for COTTCO, which has a monopoly on cotton marketing in the country. It also undermines the efforts of the government to revitalize the cotton industry as a key driver of economic growth.