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.
