E-Cape cotton project boosts exports

NOMPELO NDZIMELA
A COMBINED government/private sector programme is set to provide a hefty boost to Eastern Cape exports.
The joint project by Da Gama Textiles, commercial farmers, government and the cotton industry was established to promote large scale cotton production in the region.
Seven months since the start of the project, industry sources anticipate that 10-15% of the final 7 500 lint bales will be exported in the form of curtains and duvets to America, the United Kingdom and Australia during 2005.
“We want to maintain cotton production ensuring that there is sustainable wealth creation for farmers,” Danie Wium, group financial director of Da Gama,
told FTW.
First phase of the three-year project started in October 2003 with a target of 6 000 hectare plantations in Middledrift, Tyefu, Addo, Cradock, Somerset East and Qamata.