FROM THE FILES: BT COTTON'S PROMISE TO THE KENYAN ECONOMY.

 With the government’s approval of BT cotton seed, as from March 2020 it is all systems go for cotton farmers. With BT comes the hope of a new j dawn for cotton growing in Kenya. A country that has seen far much better days as far as cotton farming is concerned. What exactly is BT bringing to the table?

 Back in the ‘70’s Kenya was a major East African producer of seed cotton for both local and export consumption. However, this declined due to unstable market prices, poor agronomic policies and most importantly, high cost of production for farmers.

Currently, Kenya produces an average of 25,000 bales against a demand of 200,000 bales and the deficit covered by importation from countries such as Uganda and Tanzania. This is utterly disappointing from a country where approximately 350,000 Hectares is arable for cotton growing and boasts a record high production (in 1995) of 38,000 metric tonnes. However all hope is not lost.

If the government’s promise is anything to go by then, it is expected that some 750 tonnes of seed will be provided to farmers in cotton growing zones this season! My humble cry to the government however, is to pick up from there. For so long in the past, farmers fell victim to middlemen who farmers had to sell the seed to because, ginneries were too far away.

Now, how about the National Government collaborates with County Governments in Cotton growing areas to set up ginneries in these areas. Not only will employment be created in the farms but also in the ginneries. Furthermore, the government estimates that a sizeable 8 milllion Kenyans from drier areas will benefit from the revitalization of cotton growing.

BT is said to be resistant to Bollworm which has for so long been a menace for cotton farmers since a lot of production capital would go into purchase of pesticides which would contribute up to 51.70% of the input costs. BT therefore promises to mitigate the costs of production.

Increase in cotton production will mean more raw materials for the local textile industry and therefore cost of importation will be alleviated. With adequate raw materials (cotton) and formidable and pragmatic management policies, Rivatex could be well on its way to being the colossal industry we once knew, and this too comes with job creation for the Kenyan youth.

One of the goals of Macro-Economic Policy is to check on environmental problems. Here is some good news, cotton stalks from BT could be used as firewood which will in turn, reduce cutting down of trees (planted and natural) for firewood.

For the icing on the cake, the national demand for seed cake (a by- product of cotton) surpasses its domestic production. However, the projected increase in cotton production as a result of the use of BT seed could fill this gap and help seize the market opportunity for both oil and animal feed production.

If the government plays its part in providing seed subsidies, technical training support and integrated market chains, to cotton growers then the cotton industry can regain its lost glory and economic and industrial growth will be realised.