Africa-Press – Kenya. The Busia cotton project will now be used as a model in the plan to increase yields and boost all agricultural value chains across the country.
Statehouse Spokesman Hussein Mohamed said at least 11 cooperatives have been selected from the county in the push to turn around cotton production.
Addressing the press on Friday in Nyeri, he said the cooperatives are set to be “revamped and turned into multipurpose Saccos”.
“It is important to note that the cotton project will act as a template to enhance other agriculture value chains such as dairy, tea, rice, edible oils and leather among others,” he said.
Some 12, 000 Kenyans, he said, have already been registered as cotton farmers on the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System.
Meanwhile, 10 agricultural extension officers have been recruited in each of the wards to train and guide the growers on the best farming practices.
This will ensure the production is increased from about 300 kilos currently per acre to at least 800 kilos.
Engagement between cotton farmers and agricultural officers from the national government and the County of Busia is currently underway at the Agricultural Training College in Busia town.
A total of 11,253 acres will be planted in the first phase in the county with the ultimate objective being to put 42,000 acres under cotton production in the county.
The project targets to produce at least 800kgs of lint and cotton seed cake per acre, which will translate to more than nine million kilos; three million kilos of lint and six million kilos of cotton seed cake.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
