Cotton farmers, stakeholders push for local seed manufacturing

Cotton industry stakeholders and farmers have renewed calls on the government to establish local cotton seed manufacturing centres to curb the recurring crisis of seed shortages and delayed distributions across the country.

The appeal came as over 30 tonnes of cotton seeds were distributed to farmers from Busia and Siaya counties by Thika Cloth Mills (TCM), a leading textile company partnering with the government under the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative.

The seeds were procured by the government to support the cotton revival agenda and boost production.

In Busia, farmers hailed the move as timely, aligning with their planting season set for June.

However, in Siaya, farmers expressed concerns over the delay in seed delivery, though they welcomed the support.

“We appreciate the government and Thika Cloth Mills for this gesture, but the long-term solution lies in establishing local seed production centres,” said Milly Odemba, a farmer in Siaya.

She added: “The delays we face every season only discourage potential cotton growers.”

The company’s Cotton Development Manager, Hesmond Olweny echoed the farmers’ sentiments, calling on the government to empower institutions like the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to start local seed production.

He emphasised that the call for localised seed manufacturing remains central in ensuring sustainability, timely planting, and national textile competitiveness.

“Most cotton-growing countries produce their own seeds, which makes them affordable and readily available. We’ve spent a lot purchasing BT seeds for farmers, yet the returns have been negligible,

“The government’s intervention in procurement and tendering for disciplined forces’ uniforms to local industries is a step in the right direction,” the manager stated.

Urging Kenyans to embrace the “Buy Kenya build Kenya initiative, Olweny said TCM makes garments for the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service and others.

He also noted that the new seed variety sourced from Cameroon is well-suited for Kenya’s climate and urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains for planting.

In Siaya, County Director of Agriculture Isaac Munyendo announced the county’s ambitious plan to cultivate 50,000 acres of cotton this year, up from last year’s 26,000 acres, which injected over Ksh 18 million into the local economy. However, he admitted the seed shortage could hamper their target.

“We remain optimistic that with the national and county governments’ continued support, next year’s season will be better,” said Munyendo.

Munyendo said the joint efforts between the government and stakeholders like Thika Cloth Mills reflect a growing momentum to revive Kenya’s cotton industry.

Farmers like Millicent Akinyi emphasized the need for policy consistency and serious investment in the cotton value chain, recalling a time when cotton ranked second only to coffee in national importance.

“People are willing to grow cotton again, but without consistent access to affordable seeds, our efforts will fall short,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Simon Ondolo from Rarienda, Busia and Milcent Akinyi from Siaya who said cotton was the cash crop for empowering the poor.