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China-Africa Trade Information Service
info.afrindex.com
China-Africa Trade Information Service
Image: standardmedia.co.ke
The government has launched the genetically modified insect-resistant cotton seed variety dubbed BT to revive the dying industry. This launch makes Kenya the seventh country in Africa and the 15th country in the world to embrace the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) cotton.
The Cabinet has approved the commercial farming of BT cotton hybrids following successful completion of field trials conducted over a period of five years. The commercial farming of BT cotton is hoped to ensure farmers earn more from the crop through increased production.
It is also expected to boost the manufacturing pillar of the Big 4 Agenda where Kenya seeks to establish itself as a regional leader in textile and apparel production.
While presiding over the launch at the Alupe University College in Busia on Monday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said farmers were bound to reap from the new variety.
Of the 47 counties, only 23 are growing cotton. The CS said government would not put up more textile factories, but noted that there was money for the revival of the collapsed ginneries not only in Busia but in other counties as well.
"We want to see primary processing of the cotton to be done in ginneries that we are trying to revive in different parts of the country to create job opportunities," said Munya.
He added: "Even the ones we already have are not getting enough raw materials at the moment. With launch of BT cotton I have no doubt that very soon there will be enough surplus for cotton in our country."
Mr Munya urged the county governments to compliment the effort to revive cotton farming by sending field extension officers to offer guidance to farmers.
Mulwanda Cotton Ginnery in Busia is being revived by the national government to the tune of Sh30 million. Principal Secretary, State Department of Cooperatives Ali Noor said it would be up and running before end of the current financial year.
Farmers would not incur a lot of costs to maintain the BT cotton. "You do not have to spend much to buy a lot of pesticide because the new variety is drought resistant and yield is high," said Noor.
A farmer was likely to realise three tonnes from one acre of BT cotton. "Our farmers have been suffering because of using low yielding variety and application of excess pesticide. That is now a thing of the past," the PS said.
