Busia Governor Keen on Reviving Cotton Industry
The County Government of Busia is in the process of revitalizing cotton farming and industry.
Busia Governor, H.E Dr. Paul Otuoma stated this while hosting a delegation led by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of investment,Trade and industry and Patrick Kilemi Principal Secretary State Department for Cooperatives.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Busia County is the best cotton producer in the country and kshs. 20 million has been set aside to revamp cooperatives targeting over 3,000 acres of land for cotton production.
“For us to reach the tonnes we want we will have clusters in Busia, Siaya and Bungoma and they will all be linked to mulwanda ginnery,” Dr. Mukhwana said.
The Governor welcomed the idea and urged the stakeholders to streamline the industry by having good extension services, good seeds and eventually good products.
“We don’t want to repeat the same mistakes committed before, as a county we are aiming at utilizing over 3,000 acres in cotton farming. We will also engage the youths who have skills to manufacture products from cotton at Busia industrial park in order to promote youths and local industry,” he emphasized
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Climate Change and Blue Economy, Hon. Dr.George Symplisius Mukok said farmers are hesitant to plant due to the high price of the seeds which costs 3,500 a kilo.
“Busia is aspiring to be food secure and through smart farm we will get other edible oils.” he said
The meeting brought together stakeholders from Rivatex, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and Thika clothing mills, cooperative Bank and national government among others.
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