A surge in demand for BT cotton seeds in Lamu County has prompted swift action from the government and private investors as the region experiences a significant revival in cotton cultivation.
Farmers throughout the county are increasingly adopting cotton farming, commonly known as “white gold,” backed by favorable prices, improved yields, and renewed confidence in the sector. However, this heightened interest has revealed a substantial shortage of certified BT cotton seeds, with available supplies nearly depleted just weeks after planting season began.
The renewed enthusiasm was evident in Mpeketoni during the launch and distribution of BT cotton seeds, pesticides, spraying equipment, and a modern cotton seed pressing machine. Hundreds of farmers attended the event seeking access to the scarce agricultural inputs crucial to sustaining the county’s cotton resurgence.
In response to the growing demand, the government, via the Agriculture and Food Authority, distributed 3,000 kilograms of BT cotton seeds, 10,000 pesticide containers, and 16 spraying machines to farmers. This initiative aims to boost production in one of Kenya’s most rapidly expanding cotton farming regions.
Despite the intervention, farmers maintained that demand for BT seeds continues to exceed current supply. Many attributed the rising interest in cotton farming to the enhanced productivity of the BT variety combined with recent increases in cotton prices, making the crop increasingly profitable.
Several farmers described cotton cultivation as a transformative economic opportunity capable of improving livelihoods for thousands of households across the coastal region, provided with reliable access to farm inputs, stable markets, and local processing facilities.
Speaking at the event, Cornelly Serem assured farmers that the government was collaborating closely with county administrations and private sector partners to ensure a consistent supply of quality BT cotton seeds and pesticides.
Serem emphasized that the revival of the cotton industry remains central to Kenya’s efforts to strengthen local textile manufacturing and enhance farmers’ earnings under the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative.
Meanwhile, Tejal Dhodhia stated that the textile manufacturer had increased support for cotton farmers through partnerships with both national and county governments.
Dhodhia revealed that the company recently acquired and distributed six tonnes of BT cotton seeds valued at Ksh21 million to farmers in Mpeketoni to protect growers against shortages and accelerate production.
She commended William Ruto for prioritizing cotton farming and local textile manufacturing, noting that the current administration was the first since independence to directly facilitate the purchase of cotton seeds, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs for farmers.
According to Dhodhia, collaboration between the government, textile manufacturers, and stakeholders in the cotton value chain has restored confidence in the industry and attracted renewed investor interest.
She further noted that recent reforms, including the increase in cotton prices from Ksh52 to Ksh72 per kilogram, had reignited hope among farmers in cotton-growing regions nationwide.
Mbarak Mohammed announced that the county government had allocated Ksh7.5 million for additional BT cotton seeds, with plans to increase the allocation to Ksh12 million in the next financial year.
He emphasized that the county administration was focused on establishing Lamu as a leading cotton production hub in Kenya through sustained investment in the sector.
Currently, over 10,000 farmers in Lamu County are actively involved in cotton farming, with the sector experiencing renewed optimism driven by increased government support, private sector investment, and growing demand for locally produced cotton and textile products.