Yatta: Cotton farmers from Yatta and Masinga sub-counties have received a significant boost as the government distributed 5 tonnes of free seeds, alleviating concerns about their ability to plant this season. The distribution comes as a relief to over 500 farmers who feared missing out on planting their crop due to the withdrawal of support from a private investor. According to Kenya News Agency, the seed distribution arrived at an opportune moment, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season. Francis Kilango, Chairman of the Lower Eastern Cotton Growers Union, emphasized the importance of this government initiative, noting it as a vital step towards revitalizing the cotton industry in the region. For the past four years, these farmers had relied on Thika Cloth Mills for free seeds and pesticides, but the company withdrew support this season, prompting government intervention. Kilango highlighted the shift from BT cotton seeds to a new Hart variety imported from Cuba, marking a departure from the previous administration's choice. While the new seeds are more suitable for arid regions like Yatta, they have a longer maturity period and are more susceptible to pests compared to the BT variety. Kilango urged both national and county governments to provide ongoing pesticide support to maintain crop quality. Farmers Julius Kaloki and Jacklyn Kalekye expressed gratitude for the government's timely intervention. Kaloki, who significantly increased his income from cotton farming last year, stressed the importance of the crop in supplementing earnings and reducing poverty in the region. The heightened interest in cotton farming followed a government-imposed price increase from Sh52 to Sh72 per kilogram, further incentivizing growers.