@robertomollo3
Homa Bay cotton farmers are hopeful of better yields after the government resolved to supply them with improved and genetically modified seeds.
Among the beneficiaries of the new system are farmers who will start using BT cotton.
More than 1,400 farmers who grow the crop have started preparing to plant the new seed variety.
This comes after President William Ruto, through a cabinet resolution on Monday, approved the use of genetically modified seeds.
Through their union, the farmers have urged the Homa Bay agriculture department to fast-track how they will access the good quality seed.
Homa Bay Cotton Cooperative Union chairman John Akoko and secretary Apiyo Oloo, said they have started the process of increasing the acreage of growing the crop for more production.
Already some individuals and farmers within the union with more than 11 hectares (27.2 acres) of land, have agreed to grow the crop in the next season.
Akoko said there was a reduction in crop production in the current season because farmers lacked good seeds.
“The seeds we got were not compatible with the climatic condition in Homa Bay. The low-quality seed has led to low production with less value in the market,” he said Wednesday.
The chairman urged farmers to adopt the already commercialised transgenic cotton variety.
He said more production will enable the government to instal ginnery and textile industry in the county.
Homa Bay is among the counties around the lake region with good clay soil that support the growth of cotton.
“Several farmers had abandoned the crop due to losses related to its production. Supplying farmers with BT seeds will entice them to grow more of the crop,” he said.
Oloo said more people are likely to join their organisation due to future profit prospects.
He asked the county government to support them to grow the crop.
“With BT cotton, there is hope for the revival of the textile industry. Those who vowed not to grow the crop have changed their minds,” Oloo said.
Farmer Jared Nyaguda expressed was hopeful that crop production will improve the economic status of residents.
“Growing cotton in Homa Bay has faced myriad challenges starting with poor quality to shortage of seeds. Providing us with BT seeds will increase production,” he said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris