A surge in demand for BT cotton seeds in Lamu County has prompted the government and private textile investors to step up interventions ahead of the planting season this month.
The rising demand is being driven by improved earnings, better prices, improved yields and ready markets, making cotton farming increasingly attractive to farmers across the county.
The renewed interest was evident in Mpeketoni during the launch and distribution of BT cotton seeds, pesticides, spraying equipment and a modern cotton seed pressing machine, where hundreds of farmers turned up to secure the farm inputs.
Through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the government distributed 3,000 kilograms of BT cotton seeds, 10,000 containers of pesticides and 16 spraying machines to farmers in a move aimed at supporting and expanding the number of cotton growers in one of the country’s leading cotton-growing regions.
Despite the intervention, farmers said the demand for BT seeds continues to outstrip supply, driven by rising cotton prices and improved yields associated with the BT variety.
Many of the local residents described cotton farming as an emerging economic lifeline capable of uplifting thousands of households in the Coast region, if well supported with consistent access to inputs, markets and processing industries.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem said the government was working closely with county governments and private sector players to ensure farmers have continued access to quality seeds and pesticides as demand for cotton farming grows.
Serem said the revival of the cotton sector is expected to strengthen Kenya’s textile and manufacturing industries while improving livelihoods for farmers in cotton-growing regions.
Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia said the company had intensified support for farmers through partnerships with both the national and county governments.
She said last month the firm procured and distributed six tonnes of BT cotton seeds worth Sh21 million to farmers in Mpeketoni to support the growing number of cotton farmers.
Dhodhia attributed the renewed interest in cotton farming to sector reforms, improved prices and government-backed subsidised farm inputs.
“The increase in cotton prices from Sh52 to Sh72 per kilogram has greatly motivated farmers and restored confidence in cotton farming,” she said.
Lamu Deputy Governor Mbarak Mohammed said the county government had allocated Sh7.5 million for the purchase of additional BT cotton seeds, with plans to increase the allocation to Sh12 million next financial year.
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 farmers in Lamu are currently engaged in cotton farming, even as the sector records renewed growth driven by increased profitability and investment.
By Muoki Charles
