Cotton farmers to be given free seeds and paid double

Farmers are being wooed back to cotton farming with promises of free seeds and a doubled price of Sh65 per kilo this year.

A Cotton Development Authority officer, Mr Paul Ndung’u, said the prices will be doubled from the current Sh32 and reviewed to a possible Sh120 by 2014, depending on how the drive will be embraced by farmers.

According to the officer, who was speaking during a public demonstration day in Kirinyaga held by the authority, the short-term objective is to raise local production to 60 per cent by 2015 and revive local textile industries to absorb at least 2,400 job seekers.

“We want to put the nightmare of the 1990’s, where our local textile industry collapsed and cotton farmers failed to get payments of 1produce delivered, behind. With Rivatex now revived and on its way to profitability, more industries will be established,” he said.

All farmers intending to commence cotton farming will be given six kilos of cotton seed for free and education on how best to grow the crop, he added.

“The seeds to be given out are certified to guarantee at least 1,000 kilos yield per acre,” he said.

Chemicals to battle cotton stainer and ball worms will also be provided.

“The agri-business sector is all out to sell its ability to improve farmers’ earnings. It is all about economic Vision 2030, where we have to usher farmers into middle income earners,” he said.

The number of certified ginneries to purchase farmers’ cotton to induce competition and hence competitive prices, will also be increased.

Mr Ndung’u added that the government will impose a ban on middlemen it accuses of ushering in a price distortion window and disillusioning farmers.

The officer pointed out that cotton farming has great potential since it compliments many other sectors.

“In the dairy sector, 50 per cent of livestock feeds is composed of cotton seed cake. Currently, we are importing it from Tanzania since we are operating at a deficiency production limit,” he said.