Kwale county: Farmers in Kwale County have been urged to enhance cotton production to support a newly established ginnery as stakeholders strive to rejuvenate the sector and improve agricultural incomes. Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting at Pavi Farmers' Cooperative Society in Msambweni Sub-county, Cornelly Serem, Chairman from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), stressed the importance of boosting production to meet the ginnery's capacity of processing over four tonnes daily.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Authority has provided 300 kilograms of BT cotton seeds and pesticides to Kwale farmers to aid planting this season. Additionally, Bixa farmers, locally known as Mrangi growers, received 10,000 seedlings to encourage diversification and income generation. Despite these efforts, stakeholders expressed concerns over current low production levels and delayed seed distribution affecting productivity.
Jackson Ndurya, founder of Pavi Farmers' Cooperative Society, highlighted seed distribution delays as a major challenge. He noted that while cotton is available, timely access to seeds is crucial for proper planning. The cooperative, established in 2016, faced difficulties after its main sponsor, Base Titanium mining company, ceased operations in December 2024. However, with AFA's intervention, the cooperative is now focused on self-sustainability.
Government initiatives have improved farm gate prices, increasing from Sh52 to Sh72 per kilogram, aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Acting AFA Director General Calistus Kundu urged farmers to take advantage of better prices and infrastructure by expanding cotton acreage. He emphasized that consistent supply is necessary for the ginnery's success, which could potentially generate up to Sh 90 million annually for local farmers.
Farmers were also encouraged to diversify into crops like Bixa, which is gaining traction due to improved market prices. Sammy Kilonzo, a Bixa farmer, noted that there is renewed interest in Bixa farming and with access to seedlings and support, more farmers could benefit from the crop. Stakeholders also advocated for increased youth involvement in cotton farming to ensure industry sustainability.
Concerns were raised regarding inadequate support from the county government, with calls for better investment in extension services, farm inputs, and cooperative development. Ndurya stressed the need for county support to prevent the facility from failing before it starts operations.
Farmers committed to expanding cotton farming to meet the demands of the new ginnery. The cooperative leadership affirmed their determination to move forward and prepare for future success. This renewed initiative aims to position Kwale as a leading cotton-producing region and strengthen the agricultural value chain along the Coast.