A section of cotton farmers in Homa Bay County have embarked on revamping cotton production through their cooperative union.
The Union Chairman, John Akoko, said the farmers have acquired a piece of land to enable them build a modern warehouse and an office in preparation for the establishment of a new cotton ginnery.
National Agriculture and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), supported the Cotton Cooperative Union to acquire a 2.5 acres piece of land in Magare Village within Homa Bay town, where a new cotton store will be situated.
“We are putting up a modern cotton store and Union offices for coordinating cotton farming activities in the region,” Akoko said.
The Chairman added that NARIGP was instrumental in establishing a cotton ginnery in Homa Bay County.
He said the acquired piece of land will expedite the establishment of the cotton ginnery.
“Cotton farmers are always lamenting on inadequate space to store their harvests and the establishment of the warehouse will be a step towards improving cotton farming,” Akoko revealed.
He advised farmers to put more effort into production such that when they are rewarded with the new ginnery it operates to the optimum.
Union Secretary Richard Apiyo and Treasurer Nathaniel Otieno lamented that lack of ginnery has over the years immensely contributed to poor cotton production in the area.
Otieno also lauded farmers for their efforts to step up cotton production noting that the crop will propel the local economy.
The union officials appealed for support from both the national and county governments to revive cotton farming in Homa Bay.
By Isaiah Onuko and Davis Langat
