July 27, 2007

Zimbabwe's 2006/07 cottonseed and soybean production up by 1.9 percent to 210,000 tonnes

Cottonseed and soybean production for 2006/07 crop year in Zimbabwe has reached 210,000 tonnes, up 1.9 percent from the previous season's 206,000 tonnes but still short of the required national demand of 350,000 to 400,000 tonnes, according to the "Republic of Zimbabwe, Oilseeds and Products Voluntary 2007" report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).  

Cottonseed and soybean are mainly grown for vegetable oil and its residue is utilised for animal feed. Soybean meal is the main source of protein by the dairy, pig and poultry sectors. The country is heavily relying on soybean meal imports which are increasing in demand due to its expanding livestock industries.

Soybean production is seen to reach 74,000 tonnes in 2006/07 due to renewed interest by the resettled farmers after attractive prices that the crop has last season. High domestic demand and improved production knowledge have also contributed to the grain's output increase.

For more of the USDA report, please click here