The 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 in a renewed push to revive the country’s cotton and textile industry.

The distribution, targeting Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Makueni and Kitui, is expected to boost production ahead of the El Niño rains and increase farmers’ earnings.

Speaking in Mutuobare, Kiambere Ward, Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, farmers welcomed the free seeds, saying the initiative would significantly lower production costs and encourage more growers to return to cotton farming.

Farmers Francis Runje and Joseph Nyaga said a kilogramme of Bt cotton seeds previously cost about Sh4,000, putting them beyond the reach of many small-scale farmers.

Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia said the country’s cotton revival had reached an encouraging turning point, recalling that the company previously relied on imports from Uganda and Tanzania to sustain its textile manufacturing operations.

She 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, which encouraged farmers who had abandoned the crop to return.

“Cotton farming revival is encouraging. Farmers are well supported through such incentives. Focus should now be on linking the farmers to domestic textile manufacturers to create a sustainable value chain, from the farm to the factory, while generating jobs for thousands of Kenyans,” said Dodhia.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire welcomed the partnership between the national government and private investors, urging farmers in Mbeere South and other cotton-growing areas to seize the opportunity presented by free quality seeds and a guaranteed market.

She pledged that her administration would partner with the national government and local investors to empower farmers, strengthen agricultural production and improve rural livelihoods.

“Take advantage of the anticipated rains and government support,” said Mbarire noting that the revival of cotton farming could become an important driver of economic growth in the region.

 by Muoki Charles