Kenya's cotton output likely to triple over 2018 figures

16 Jul '19

2 min read

Pic: Shutter Stock

Cotton production in Kenya this year is expected to triple over last year’s figures, marking one of the highest yields in the last decade, according to the Fibre Crops Directorate, which foresees production to rise from 10,672 tonnes realised last year to 30,000 tonnes. Increased production is being attributed to better investment and incentives to farmers.

The high cotton harvest is the result of investment on farmers to spur production in line with the government’s Big Four agenda, said Naomi Kamau, head of the directorate.

However, production will be slightly less than the projection because of harsh weather, she said.

The projection of 39,000 bales of lint this year has been revised down to 30,000 because of drought, primarily in the eastern region, a Nairobi-based English-language business newspaper quoted Kamau as saying.

The directorate has also created a ready market for farmers by having them sign contracts with ginneries, which ensures the crop is purchased immediately after being harvested.

Cotton production has been falling in the country since the 1980s with Kenya relying on imports to bridge the deficit.

The country imports over half of the required quantity of cotton to keep its factories running. There are about four active ginneries in the country now in Meru, Baringo, Makueni and Kitui. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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