The Cotton Association of Zambia says it is anxious to see the reopening of the Mulungushi Textiles Factory in Kabwe as this would provide market for local cotton farmers.

According to the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), Zambian cotton seed produces low yields and fetches poor prices.

IAPRI Executive Director Chance Kabaghe said the number of cotton farmers has drastically dropped from 400, 000 to just below 100, 000 due to uncompetitive conditions in local cotton production.

But Cotton Association of Zambia says if the factory is reopened, it will help as the cotton farmers will have easy access to market.

Martha Zulu, a Master Weaver and Trainer under the association says there have been challenges of where to get the cotton done, which she feels will be addressed once the textile reopens.

Ms Zulu says the market is available and the association has been selling at both local business and international levels.

She has however noted the need to have a big excellence center where farmers can be trained to weave and other activities as this will help in growing the cotton industry.

She says the ministry of Commerce is looking into the matter but that the City council can also help with a place.

Ms. Zulu says the Government and the International Trade Center are rendering their support but has called for more support from other stakeholders for the industry to flourish.