EU extends helping hand to Kenya to boost cotton production

27 Jul '11

2 min read

Kenya's small scale cotton farmers will be able to boost their cotton production as the European Union (EU) is extending a helping hand. Under the project, a sum of US$ 2.457 million is proposed to be invested to boost Kenya's cotton production.

A number of research institutions from Kenya including Common Funds for Commodity and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute will participate in the EU-sponsored projects aimed at enhancing Kenya's domestic cotton production.

There are many issues with cotton farming in Kenya, and the key intention underlying the initiative is to acquaint the farmers with new technology. The project would mainly concentrate on the regions which have cotton as its main cash crop.

Cotton growers in southern district of Tharaka have a problem with the cotton variety that they cultivate. Under the collaborative project, experts would survey the soil variety in the region and suggest the cotton variety that is appropriate for the region.

According to experts, 89M variety may be required to be introduced in Tharaka South region as the climate in this region is very dry and this variety has a potential to sustain high temperatures and thereby to preserve water.

Field days held under the projects, while helping the farmers to learn new methods that would enable them to earn livelihood, would also help them to practically apply what they have learnt with regards to cultivation.

Further, Kenya and Mozambique would embark on an exchange programme which would allow farmers to visit each other's country and learn about their respective production techniques.

Also, two cotton varieties will be studied to boost production. Experts opine that the varieties introduced after through research would not only be able to spot the pests, but also the techniques, which are adversely affecting the standing crop of cotton.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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