Counties with potential for cotton growing have been urged to revert to the crop to benefit from opportunities that are coming with renewed reforms in the sub-sector.

Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui (pictured) said modernisation of ginneries nationwide is ongoing hence the need for farmers to engage in extensive cotton growing.

The CS who spoke while opening ASK Baringo Branch Show noted with concern that farmers in Kerio Valley belt have abandoned the once thriving drought resistant cash crop which used to fetch them high incomes.

“The national government is committed to revitalise the textile industry under the manufacturing pillar of the Big four agenda which is a critical foreign exchange earner,” he said.

Chelugui asked local farmers to engage in extensive cotton growing in readiness for revamping of an old factory in Salawa, Baringo Central sub-county which used to serve up to neighbouring Elgeiyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

The CS said Kenyan textiles are the most sought after globally and its products are now penetrating overseas markets including the United State of America. “It is possible for Baringo to contribute towards the success of the textile industry because it is one of the value chains that used to do very well in the past,” Chelugui stated.

He said both levels of government are currently working on efforts to establish feedlots in Mogotio sub-county to support farmers in the county which is 90 per cent dependent on livestock and crop production.

Chelugui who was accompanied by a host of local leaders expressed optimism that the county has a great potential in making Kenya to become Africa’s powerhouse in the beef value chain.

He said if Kenya can slaughter and export four million bulls every year they will have created value for its farmers and give them enough income to sustain the sector.

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Governor Felix Kimaiyo said the county is undertaking various empowerment initiatives and investments geared towards promoting agriculture as a means of achieving food security, alleviating poverty and enhancing socio-economic growth.

He pointed out that the county has set up slaughter houses in strategic areas like in Barwessa and Loruk in Baringo North as well as an international abattoir at Maoi in Baringo South which has a capacity to slaughter 1,000 goats and 200 cattle daily.

Kimaiyo added that plans to establish apiculture infrastructures in Tiaty, Baringo South, Baringo North and parts of Mogotio sub-counties are underway with an aim of promoting quality honey production in the county to boost farmers’ incomes besides creating self-employment opportunities.