Efforts to revive cotton farming in Machakos County are gathering pace following the distribution of pest-control equipment and agricultural chemicals to more than 1,000 growers in Yatta Sub-county.
The intervention, implemented through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), aims to strengthen cotton production in one of Kenya’s semi-arid regions, where farmers are increasingly turning to climate-resilient crops to cope with unpredictable weather conditions.
Beneficiaries drawn from Ndalani, Kisiiki, Kiwanzani, Nthungululu, Mbembani, Kivingoni and Kakongo farming clusters received pesticides alongside modern motorised spraying equipment designed to improve crop protection and reduce production expenses.
The support comes at a time when cotton is regaining prominence as a viable cash crop in Yatta. Farmers have increasingly embraced the crop because of its ability to perform well under limited rainfall conditions while offering reliable returns.
Local farmers say the introduction of generator-powered sprayers is expected to significantly improve pest management, one of the key challenges affecting cotton yields. The machines are also projected to reduce labour requirements and improve operational efficiency on farms.
While welcoming the government’s intervention, growers have called for sustained support through affordable farm inputs, strengthened extension services and access to modern agricultural technologies.
They argue that continued investment in the sector will help maintain the momentum achieved in recent years and further improve household incomes.
Farmers have also raised concerns about poor seed performance experienced during the previous planting season. According to growers, low germination rates from distributed seed varieties resulted in reduced crop establishment and financial losses for many households.
They are now urging authorities to ensure the timely availability of Bt cotton seed ahead of the next planting season, noting that quality seed can improve productivity, lower production costs and enhance resistance to pests.
“We are appealing to the government to provide Bt cotton seeds before the October planting season. Quality seed will increase yields, reduce production costs and protect farmers from unnecessary losses,” Daniel Nzioki, a farmer said.
The renewed interest in cotton farming reflects broader changes taking place across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, where farmers are increasingly prioritising drought-tolerant crops such as cotton and sunflower.
Improved market opportunities, government support programmes and greater awareness of the crop’s commercial potential have contributed to rising adoption rates.
The Government has approved the commercial cultivation of BT cotton, which is resistant to the destructive African Bollworm.
According to sources, BT cotton yields 2,500 kilos per acre under good management. With a kilo retailing at Sh72, this translates to gross earnings of Sh180,000 per acre.
To maximise earnings, farmers are encouraged to use certified seed varieties, conduct timely pest and disease control, and maintain proper crop husbandry throughout the growing season.
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