The Kenyan government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), has partnered with Thika-based cotton industry, Thika Cloth Mills, to distribute Bt cotton seeds worth Sh400 million to farmers in seven counties. The counties targeted by this initiative are Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui. This partnership aims to revive the country's cotton and textile industry by boosting production ahead of the El Niño rains and increasing farmers' earnings.
Farmers in the region have welcomed the free seeds, saying the initiative would significantly lower production costs and encourage more growers to return to cotton farming. Previously, a kilogramme of Bt cotton seeds cost about Sh4,000, making it unaffordable for many small-scale farmers. This new development is expected to make cotton farming more accessible and profitable for farmers in the region.
Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia attributed the renewed interest in cotton farming to intensified Buy Kenya, Build Kenya campaigns since 2016 and the government's decision to raise the purchase price from Sh52 to Sh72 per kilogramme. This move encouraged farmers who had abandoned the crop to return to cotton farming. Dhodhia also emphasized the need to link farmers to domestic textile manufacturers to create a sustainable value chain.
The partnership between the national government and private investors was welcomed by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. She urged farmers in Mbeere South and other cotton-growing areas to seize the opportunity presented by free quality seeds and a guaranteed market. Mbarire pledged that her administration would partner with the national government and local investors to empower farmers, strengthen agricultural production, and improve rural livelihoods.
The distribution of Bt cotton seeds is expected to boost production in the region, and farmers are optimistic about the prospects of cotton farming. Francis Runje and Joseph Nyaga, two farmers from the region, expressed their gratitude for the initiative, saying it would help them increase their yields and earnings.
The revival of cotton farming in Kenya is seen as an important driver of economic growth in the region. With the support of the national government and private investors, farmers are expected to increase their production and earnings. The partnership between the government and Thika Cloth Mills is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The distribution of Bt cotton seeds is part of a broader effort to revive Kenya's cotton and textile industry. The industry has faced challenges in recent years, including a decline in production and a reliance on imports. However, with the support of the government and private investors, the industry is expected to experience a turnaround.
Key points
- The partnership aims to boost cotton production and increase farmers' earnings in seven counties.
- The distribution of Bt cotton seeds is expected to lower production costs for farmers.
- The revival of cotton farming is seen as an important driver of economic growth in the region.
