Yatta cotton farmers have recently voiced their support for the government’s efforts to revitalize the cotton industry, particularly praising the significant increase in cotton prices from Ksh 52 to Ksh 72 per kilogram. This development has brought renewed hope to many farmers in the region, who see the price hike as a positive step towards encouraging more people to engage in cotton farming, a sector that has been struggling for years.
The farmers, led by David Kitiku from Kiwanzani in Ndalani, expressed their gratitude while selling their harvest to Thika Cloth Mills. Kitiku, who managed to sell 700 kilograms of cotton from just one acre of land, highlighted the benefits of cotton farming over other crops like maize and beans. He noted that cotton is more predictable and less dependent on heavy rainfall, making it a more viable option for farmers in areas with less rainfall.
“Cotton farming has proven to be more predictable than maize and beans,” Kitiku said. “With maize, you need a lot of rain, but cotton requires only a little rain. This makes it a more reliable crop for farmers in our region.”
The price increase is seen as a result of the government’s renewed focus on cotton farming, a move that has sparked optimism among the farmers. Tejal Dothia, CEO of Thika Cloth Mills, emphasized this renewed focus during a visit to the cotton fields of Ndalani. She reassured the farmers of the company’s continued support, which includes the provision of seeds and pesticides. Dothia highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Thika Cloth Mills and the government to ensure the timely delivery of seeds, a crucial factor in the success of the planting season.
“We’re committed to ensuring you have what you need to succeed,” Dothia stated. “Last season alone, we gave out seeds worth over Ksh 50 million to cotton-growing counties, including Yatta. The government has procured even more seeds this year, so we anticipate a smoother planting season.”
Francis Kilango, chairman of the Uvouni Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society and the cotton representative for the Lower Eastern region, also praised Thika Cloth Mills and the government for their efforts to revive the cotton industry. Kilango called on the Machakos county government to prioritize cotton farming in its development agenda, emphasizing the need for more resources, such as seeds, pesticides, and other farm inputs.
“We are thankful to President William Ruto for making cotton a national priority,” Kilango said. “This price increase has encouraged many to return to cotton farming, but we need continued support to make this industry thrive.”
Kilango also urged newly elected Cabinet Secretaries to visit the farmers and witness their challenges firsthand. He emphasized the need for actionable policies that would address the issues faced by cotton farmers, such as the lack of seeds in regions like Makueni. According to Kilango, Makueni did not plant as much cotton as in previous years due to a shortage of seeds, a situation that should not occur when the country is focused on revitalizing the cotton industry.
Another critical issue raised by the farmers is the need for the government to protect local textile industries from cheap imports. The farmers argue that supporting local industries is essential for creating employment opportunities for the youth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the cotton sector. Kilango pointed to the success of former President Mwai Kibaki’s introduction of the bodaboda industry, which provided jobs for many young people, as an example of how government intervention can create significant employment opportunities.
“The government should learn from former President Mwai Kibaki, who introduced the bodaboda industry and put all jobless young people to work,” Kilango said. “By protecting local textile industries and supporting cotton farming, we can create jobs for our youth and reduce the pressure on unemployment.”
As Yatta cotton farmers continue to push for the protection of local textile industries, they remain optimistic that with the right support, the cotton industry can become a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth and a source of employment for many Kenyans.
