Cotton production is expected to grow in Homa Bay after the national government distributed 48.6 tonnes of seeds to farmers.
More than 10,700 registered farmers, who operate in various cooperative societies, received the seeds on Monday.
The seeds were distributed in partnership with Homa Bay government and Rift Valley Products.
The cotton seeds include BT Cotton and open pollinated variety seeds.
The Principle Secretary for Cooperatives and SMEs Patrick Kilemi, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga and Rift Valley Products manager Sital Panara said the distribution will enhance the crop production.
Kilemi, who spoke during the distribution at Homa Bay County Cotton Aggregation Centre at Magare village, said the government is committed to promote cotton production.
Farmers cited lack of a ginnery as an obstacle towards cotton production.
Kilemi said his department has a proposal to construct a ginnery in Homa Bay in the 2024-2025 financial year budget.
“The government expects to improve cotton production and we hope that the national treasury will give us funds to construct a ginnery in Homa Bay,” he said.
He urged Homa Bay youths to join cotton farming to improve their economic income.
“Cotton is one of the crops with at least two value chains. Growing the crop in large scale will enhance job opportunities for the youths,” the PS said.
Magwanga said the county has measures in place to make the county the leading cotton producer in Kenya.
Homa Bay has black cotton soil that supports production of the crop.
“Homa Bay government has set aside more than 40,000 hactares (98842.153 acres) for growing cotton and other edible oil crops. We have given farmers tractors to farmers to support the initiative,” Magwanga said.
He said soil and climatic conditions in five out of eight constituencies in the county can support propagation of cotton effectively.
“If we want to alleviate poverty and educate our children without financial difficulties, let us venture in cotton production. We don’t want a situation where crop production is left for the elderly,” he said.
Panara said his organisation is committed to providing a market for cotton produced in Homa Bay.
He asked farmers not to be worried about the lack of market for their produce.
“My organisation is ready to purchase cotton produce from farmers in Homa Bay and the payment is done promptly. Let’s grow cotton without worry because we’re ready to provide you with quality seeds,” Panara said.
