Cotton farming: Busia, Siaya farmers push for local seed manufacturing

A section of farmers posing with a sack of cotton seed. [Amos Murumba, Standard]

Cotton farmers from Busia and Siaya counties have renewed calls on the government to establish local cotton seed manufacturing centres.

The farmers argue the centres will play a key role in curbing the recurring crisis of seed shortages and delayed distributions across the country.

Their appeal came as over 30 tons of cotton seeds were distributed in the two counties by Thika Cloth Mills under the 'Buy Kenya, Build Kenya' initiative.

The seeds were procured by the government to support the cotton revival agenda and boost production.

In Busia, the farmers hailed the move as timely, aligning with their planting season set for June.

However, in Siaya, the farmers expressed concerns over the delay in seed delivery, though they welcomed the support, noting, 'better late than never'.

"We appreciate the government and Thika Cloth Mills for this gesture, but the long-term solution lies in establishing local seed production centres," said Milly Odemba, a farmer in Siaya, adding, "The delays we face every season only discourage potential cotton growers."

A Section of farmers queuing. [Amos Murumba, Standard]

Thika Cloth Mills Cotton Development Manager, Hesmond Olwenyi, echoed the farmers' sentiments, calling on the government to empower institutions like the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to start local seed production.

He emphasised that the call for localised seed manufacturing remains central in ensuring sustainability, timely planting, and national textile competitiveness.

"Most cotton-growing countries produce their seeds, which makes them affordable and readily available," Olwenyi said. "We've spent a lot on purchasing BT seeds for farmers, yet the returns have been negligible. The government's intervention in procurement and tendering for disciplined forces' uniforms to local industries is a step in the right direction."

He said they are the ones making garments for KDF, police, NYS among others urging Kenyans to embrace the 'Buy Kenya build Kenya initiative'.

Olwenyi also noted that the new seed variety sourced from Cameroon is well-suited for Kenya's climate and urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains for planting.

In Siaya, County Director of Agriculture Isaac Munyendo announced the county's ambitious plan to cultivate 50,000 acres of cotton this year, up from last year's 26,000 acres, which injected over Sh18 million into the local economy. However, he admitted the seed shortage could hamper their target.

"We remain optimistic that with the national and county governments' continued support, next year's season will be better," said Munyendo.

Munyendo said the joint efforts between the government and stakeholders like Thika Cloth Mills reflect a growing momentum to revive Kenya's cotton industry.

Farmers like Milcent Akinyi emphasised the need for policy consistency and serious investment in the cotton value chain, recalling a time when cotton ranked second only to coffee in national importance. "People are willing to grow cotton again, but without consistent access to affordable seeds, our efforts will fall short," she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Simon Ondolo from Rarienda, Busia and Milcent Akinyi from Siaya who said cotton was the cashcrop for empowering the poor.