(3 Minutes Read)
Yatta cotton farmers called on the government to protect local textile industries as part of the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, emphasizing that this would significantly boost youth employment. They expressed gratitude for the recent increase in cotton prices from Ksh 52 to Ksh 72 per kilogram, seeing it as a substantial benefit that could encourage more people to engage in cotton farming.
The farmers made the remarks while selling their harvest to Thika Cloth Mills, urging the government to support the revival of the cotton industry to help drive the country’s economic growth. Cotton had proved more predictable than maize and beans saying he had only planted one acre. Many farmers would rather go for Cotton as maize required much rain while Cotton only needed a little rain.
While announcing the price increase, Tejal Dothia, CEO of Thika Cloths Mills, during a visit to the cotton fields of Ndalani said this was in line with the government’s renewed focus on cotton farming that has sparked optimism among the farmers, who have faced years of low prices and inconsistent support. Tejal, while addressing the farmers, reassured them of the company’s continued support, which includes the provision of seeds and pesticides. She highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the government to ensure timely delivery of seeds, noting that last season alone, she gave out seeds worth over Ksh 50 million to cotton-growing counties, including Yatta.
Francis Kilango, chairman of the Uvouni Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society and the Lower Eastern region’s cotton representative, praised Thika Cloths Mills and the government for their efforts to revive the Cotton industry. He called on the Machakos county government to borrow a leaf from the national government and prioritize cotton farming in its development agenda, emphasizing the need for more resources, such as seeds, pesticides, and farm inputs. This price increase has encouraged many to return to cotton farming, but one needs continued support to make this industry thrive, Kilango said. He urged newly elected Cabinet Secretaries to visit the farmers and witness their challenges firsthand, emphasizing the need for actionable policies.
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Kilango emphasized the need for the government to stop cheap imports and support the local textile industries as by doing so, it would create employment for the Kenyans.
Through hydro energy, Yatta farmers were able to move away from rain-fed agriculture which has failed over the years. This has been a game changer in mitigating food insecurity and lack of livelihoods.
