More than 1,000 cotton farmers in Ndalani and neighbouring areas of Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County, have received pesticides and modern spraying machines in a government-backed initiative aimed at increasing production of resilient crops in the semi-arid region.
The support, rolled out through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), targeted farmers from the Ndalani, Kisiiki, Kiwanzani, Nthungululu, Mbembani, Kivingoni and Kakongo clusters. The programme seeks to lower production costs, improve pest control and enhance cotton yields in an area where the crop has increasingly become a reliable source of income due to its ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Director of the National Cotton Growers Union and Chairman of Ndalani Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society Francis Kilango urged leaders to prioritize investment in climate-smart agriculture to improve livelihoods in the region.
“Leaders, whether elected or aspiring, should support farmers to embrace resilient crops such as cotton and sunflower. These crops perform well even in areas with unreliable rainfall and offer better returns to farmers,” said Kilango.
He noted that cotton has become an important economic pillar for thousands of households across Yatta, providing farmers with a dependable source of income even during prolonged dry spells.
Farmers led by Daniel Nzioki welcomed the intervention, saying the generator-powered spraying machines will make pest control more efficient, reduce labour costs and improve productivity.
They also called for continued access to subsidized inputs, extension services and modern farming technologies to sustain the revival of cotton farming and strengthen household incomes across Machakos County.
The farmers at the same time raised concerns over poor germination rates recorded from cotton seeds distributed during the last planting season, saying many farmers suffered losses.
“We are appealing to the government to provide Bt cotton seeds before the October planting season. Quality seed will increase yields, reduce production costs and protect farmers from unnecessary losses,” said Nzioki.
Cotton farming has steadily gained momentum in Yatta in recent years as more farmers shift to drought-tolerant crops, including sunflower, amid changing weather patterns, complementing earnings from maize and beans, which remain the area’s main food crops.
Farmers say production has improved significantly following renewed government support, improved market access and growing awareness of the crop’s economic value.
By Muoki Charles
