The government has launched the new BT cotton variety that has taken scientists twenty years to develop. Speaking during the launch at Alupe university college, Agriculture CS Peter Munya has lauded the new variety saying it will help farmers economically, “This variety matures one month earlier than the previous one and it resists all kinds of pests.”
The CS has said piloting farms for the new variety will be set up in various parts of the country to educate cotton farmers on how to grow the new seeds, “In Busia County we shall have sixty farms, in Kisumu sixty and other places where cotton is grown. In total we intend to set up one thousand pilot farms for the new seed.”
The CS also expressed the government’s commitment in reviving cotton ginneries across the country which collapsed due to importation of low quality second hand clothes into the country, “Money is going to be set aside for the revival of the ginneries and am sure this will help in job creation especially for our youths.” Other leaders present led by Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong have committed themselves in supporting cotton growing in Busia County, “Busia County was known for growing cotton in the past. We are happy that we are reviving cotton growing and as leaders we fully support the initiative.”