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Agriculture

Cotton Farming In Kenya

Cotton Farming In Kenya
Cotton Farming In Kenya

Cotton farming in Kenya represents a significant agribusiness venture with the potential for expansion and economic impact, especially among small-scale farmers. Here’s an overview of what you need to know to get started with cotton farming, based on the details from Zack Abuyeka’s article:

Main Cotton Growing Areas in Kenya

  • Homa Bay
  • Siaya
  • Lamu
  • Embu
  • Makueni
  • Tana River
  • Kitui
  • Machakos
  • Meru
  • Kirinyaga
  • Busia

Varieties Grown in Kenya

  • HART 89M
  • HA 701
  • HA 211
  • C567
  • C569
  • KSA 81M
  • C570
  • C571

Ecological Requirements

  • Temperature: 21°C – 27°C
  • Altitude: 0-1350 meters above sea level
  • Soil: Fertile and well-drained black cotton soil
  • Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0
  • Sunshine: Adequate sunlight is crucial
  • Rainfall: 500-750mm, well-distributed throughout the growing season

Land Preparation

  • Deep ploughing to 30-40cm depth one month before planting
  • Harrowing post-ploughing to achieve fine soil tilth
  • Establishment of furrows for excess water drainage

Planting

  • Manual sowing of seeds at the onset of rains
  • Use of basic tools like a jembe or fork
  • Seed rate of 2-3kg per acre
  • Planting depth of 4cm with row spacing of 60-30cm
  • Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil nutrients
  • Thinning performed three weeks after planting to manage seedling density

Pests and Diseases

  • Pests: Aphids, African bollworm, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies
  • Diseases: Bacterial blight, fusarium wilt, anthracnose, damping-off, ascochyta blight, African cotton mosaic
  • Control strategies include the use of recommended pesticides, insecticides, and maintaining field hygiene

Harvesting

  • Cotton matures in 6-8 months
  • Harvesting is manually done, and it’s essential to dry the cotton to reduce moisture content

Market for Cotton in Kenya

  • Primary use: Garment making, weaving, and spinning
  • Main buyers: Cotton ginneries where farmers can directly sell their produce

Economic Importance

  • Cotton farming offers extensive economic benefits and is a significant source of income for many farmers in Kenya. With the right practices and market strategies, it can be a sustainable and profitable crop.

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