By Joel Clinton
Farmers in Kisumu East Sub-County have received a significant boost with the distribution of one ton of high-quality cotton seeds. This initiative aims to revive cotton farming and strengthen the local textile economy.
The seeds were given to members of the New Kisumu East Cotton Growers Association and came directly from the State Department of Industrialization. The project encourages farmers to see cotton as a high-value cash crop, creating new income opportunities for households throughout the region.
Sub-County Agricultural Officer Jeffray Bonyo, along with Sub-County Cotton Officers Thomas Oganda and Mauline Owino, led the distribution. The officers stressed that the program’s success will rely heavily on farmers using modern farming techniques and following recommended agricultural practices.
Agricultural experts have begun educating farmers about Good Agricultural Practices that differ from traditional methods. The officers pointed out that cotton requires careful spacing and management to maximize productivity.
Farmers are advised to plant cotton with a spacing of 70 centimeters by 20 centimeters, placing only one seed per hole to ensure healthy germination and growth. They have also been encouraged to plant cotton as a single crop rather than mixing it with others. Experts warn that intercropping can cause competition for nutrients, which reduces cotton yields.
If farmers follow these practices, they can expect to harvest between 600 and 800 kilograms of cotton per acre, which will significantly boost their incomes.
To support the initiative, the agricultural department has committed to ongoing follow-up through extension services. Officers will regularly visit farms and organize practical training sessions on demonstration farms, providing farmers with hands-on guidance throughout the planting and growing seasons.
The project also aims to tackle the long-standing issue of market access. New ginneries are under construction at Kisumu Polytechnic and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Kibos. These facilities will offer a ready market for cotton farmers from Kajulu, Central, Nyalunya, Kolwa East, and other areas of Kisumu East Sub-County.
Local residents are optimistic about this initiative. Michael Onyuro, Chairperson of the New Kisumu East Cooperative Society from Lweya Village in Kolwa East, remarked that the return of cotton farming brings renewed hope for many families.
