Cotton farmers in Homa Bay County have urged the government to put in place mechanisms to increase cotton prices.
Led by Homa Bay County Cotton Co-operative Union Chairman John Akoko, the farmers lamented that the production expenses are not commensurate to the prices at which they sell their produce.
Akoko said they currently sell one kilogram of cotton at Sh72 which he said was too little to earn them a decent profit.
“The cost of producing cotton is so high that the price at which we sell does not recoup resources we invest,” the official said.
He noted that the high cost of living has escalated the cost of labour. “The people we hire these days need more wages than what we used to pay them before,” Akoko said.
Addressing journalists in Homa Bay Town, Akoko said they want the buying price increased to Sh150. He said this will help them break even in the long run.
“We are calling on all government agencies dealing in cotton value chain to help us in negotiating for better cotton prices. Increasing the price to Sh150 will improve our livelihoods,” Akoko said.
The union Manager John Ogero said increasing cotton prices will boost the morale of the farmers.
“We don’t want a situation in which cotton farmers abandon the venture. Increasing the prices will encourage cotton production,” Ogero said.
He also urged the youth to venture into cotton farming as an employment opportunity.
“The majority of cotton farmers are elderly persons. We urge our young people to venture into cotton production and inherit it from us,” Ogero said.
The farmers also called the county government to lobby for establishment of a ginnery in Homa Bay County. They said this will also encourage cotton farming in the county.
“We currently rely on cotton ginnery in Baringo County. It is good if one is established here,” Akoko added.
By Davis Langat
