The government, in partnership with Thika Cloth Mills (TCM), has announced plans to roll out BT cotton seeds to farmers in Lamu County in a renewed push to revive cotton farming and improve rural incomes.
Speaking to farmers in Mpeketoni, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Paul Rono said the initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen the cotton value chain by providing farmers with high-quality, pest-resistant seeds that lower production costs and significantly improve yields.
“Our goal is to empower cotton farmers with modern technology and reliable inputs so cotton can once again be a dependable source of livelihood,” Dr Rono said, adding that close collaboration with private sector players such as TCM is critical to the sector’s recovery.
Thika Cloth Mills (TCM) Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting cotton farmers through guaranteed markets and strategic partnerships with the government. She revealed that during the last season, TCM and other buyers purchased 3.5 million kilograms of cotton worth Ksh 335 million from Lamu farmers.
“Lamu County recorded the highest cotton production in the country last season. With the right inputs like BT cotton seeds, the region has immense potential to grow even further,” Dhodhia said.
Lamu Farmers Cooperative Union chairman Migwi Mwangi welcomed the partnership, noting that renewed government and private sector support had restored hope among farmers after years of decline in the cotton industry.
“The cotton sector was almost collapsing, but this collaboration between the government and Thika Cloth Mills is giving farmers confidence to invest again,” he said.
The rollout of BT cotton seeds is expected to position Lamu as a leading driver in the revival of Kenya’s cotton and textile industry.
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