Efforts to revive cotton farming in Elgeyo Marakwet have gained momentum through a contract farming agreement with Rift Valley Products Limited. The partnership aims to boost cotton production in the county, with the company’s ginnery located in Salawa, Baringo County, ready to process the harvested cotton.
More than 3,000 farmers have shown interest in venturing into cotton farming this year. To support them, the county government has provided 60 tonnes of cotton seeds, enough to cultivate approximately 5,000 acres. Additionally, farmers will receive training on best farming practices throughout the planting season to ensure high yields and quality produce.
Last season, farmers in the region collectively earned around Kshs 30 million from cotton farming, inspiring more people to take up the crop. This year, farmers will receive Kshs 72 per kilogram of clean cotton. With an acre of land expected to produce about 2,000 kilograms, a farmer could earn approximately Kshs 144,000. Payments will be made promptly via mobile money transfers, ensuring efficiency and reliability. In addition to cotton, farmers will also receive sorghum seeds to diversify their agricultural activities.
To facilitate farmer participation, the Agriculture CEC has been leading a farmer registration exercise in key cotton-growing areas. The exercise targets wards including Endo, Lower Emsoo, Soy North, Lower Tambach, Lower Sambirir, Arror, and Soy South. Three teams have been dispatched to register farmers, with county officials overseeing the process in different regions. The teams are actively engaging with farmers, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunity and maximize their land’s potential.
Farmers in the county have expressed optimism about the initiative. A cotton farmer from Kabulwo noted that the venture had already proven profitable. He highlighted his success from the previous year, stating that the returns were promising and that he looked forward to an even better harvest this season. With cotton taking less than 100 days to mature, farmers expect to see results relatively quickly, boosting their incomes and livelihoods.
The county has assured farmers that seed distribution will commence before the onset of the April rains. This timely distribution will allow farmers to plant early, ensuring optimal growth conditions for their crops.
By revitalizing cotton farming, the initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities for farmers while contributing to the growth of the textile industry. With structured support, training, and reliable market access, cotton farming in Elgeyo Marakwet is set to become a key agricultural activity, improving the livelihoods of many residents.
