Makueni Launches KSh3.18 Million Bt Cotton Programme to Support 530 Farmers and Revive Cotton Production

Makueni County is stepping up efforts to revive cotton farming through the distribution of 795 kilogrammes of Bt cotton seeds worth KSh3.18 million to 530 farmers across eight wards. The programme will put 530 acres under cotton cultivation, with the county targeting an estimated harvest of 350 tonnes.

The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), gives each selected farmer an allocation for one acre. County officials expect the improved cotton variety to help farmers increase yields, reduce losses caused by bollworm and improve the returns from cotton production.

The launch took place on Tuesday morning, with Japheth Mang’oka, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, outlining the production benefits of Bt cotton.

Mang’oka said the variety has a yield potential of up to 700 kilogrammes per acre, compared with approximately 250 to 400 kilogrammes from conventional cotton varieties. Its resistance to bollworm also helps reduce the need for pesticide applications against the pest.

The programme comes as Makueni seeks to strengthen cotton production through improved planting materials, agricultural extension services and organised marketing arrangements.

Eight Wards Selected for Bt Cotton Farming in Makueni

The 530 farmers will come from Mavindini, Nguu/Masumba, Mbitini, Ivingoni/Nzambani, Mtito Andei, Emali/Mulala and Masongaleni wards.

Each farmer will cultivate one acre, bringing the total planned area under the programme to 530 acres. The county’s production target stands at 350 tonnes.

The expected harvest translates to an average of approximately 660 kilogrammes per acre across the programme. This is close to the yield potential of 700 kilogrammes per acre cited by the county during the launch.

Actual production will depend on crop establishment, rainfall and other growing conditions, pest management and adherence to recommended agronomic practices.

For participating farmers, the programme offers an opportunity to grow cotton with improved pest resistance and a higher stated yield potential than conventional varieties.

Bt Cotton Technology Targets Bollworm Losses

Bollworm is among the pests associated with cotton production. Attacks damage cotton bolls and affect the quantity and quality of harvested cotton, reducing the returns farmers receive from their fields.

Bt cotton uses genetic technology to provide protection against certain insect pests, including targeted bollworm species. This protection helps reduce crop damage and the need for pesticide applications against susceptible pests.

According to Mang’oka, farmers using conventional cotton varieties typically harvest between 250 and 400 kilogrammes per acre, while Bt cotton has the potential to deliver up to 700 kilogrammes per acre.

The difference in yield potential makes the improved variety an important part of Makueni’s cotton revival efforts. Farmers will still need to follow recommended planting, crop nutrition, weed management and pest monitoring practices to achieve good results.

Makueni Ginneries Ltd to Provide a Market Through Contract Farming

One of the key parts of the programme is the involvement of Makueni Ginneries Ltd through a contract-farming arrangement.

The company will work with the County Department of Agriculture in seed distribution, extension services and market access. The partnership is intended to connect farmers with a structured route to market as they prepare to produce cotton.

Reliable buyers are important in commercial crop production. Farmers who lack clear marketing arrangements often face difficulties selling their produce after harvest, even when they achieve reasonable yields.

Through the partnership, Makueni County is linking access to improved seed with extension support and market arrangements. This gives participating farmers a clearer production and marketing framework.

The specific cotton purchase prices and contract terms were not provided during the programme launch. Farmers should therefore establish the applicable buying arrangements with the company before production and harvesting.

Government Partnership Supports Cotton Revival

The programme brings together Makueni County, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and Makueni Ginneries Ltd.

The Ministry is supporting the seed initiative, while the county government is coordinating agricultural implementation and working with the private-sector partner on farmer support and market access.

The initiative also supports Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity through partnerships and better market linkages.

For the county, the immediate target is to bring 530 acres under Bt cotton and achieve an estimated production of 350 tonnes. The performance of the first group of beneficiaries will provide an indication of how the seed distribution and contract-farming arrangement support cotton growers.

What the Programme Means for Makueni Cotton Farmers

The distribution of 795 kilogrammes of Bt cotton seed gives 530 farmers access to improved planting material for the planned 530 acres. The stated yield potential of up to 700 kilogrammes per acre offers an opportunity to increase production compared with conventional varieties.

The involvement of Makueni Ginneries Ltd also addresses an important part of crop production by linking farmers with extension services and market access.

Farmers will need timely technical support, proper crop management and clear buying arrangements to translate the programme’s production targets into farm income.

If the county achieves its target of 350 tonnes, the initiative will provide a significant production base for its cotton revival efforts. Its longer-term value will depend on the yields farmers achieve, the market they receive for their cotton and the continuity of support beyond the initial seed distribution.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/trending/bt-cotton-farming-in-makueni-530-farmers/https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Bt-Cotton-Farming-in-Makueni-Targets-530-Farmers-with-KSh3.18-Million-Seed-Programme-1024x768.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Bt-Cotton-Farming-in-Makueni-Targets-530-Farmers-with-KSh3.18-Million-Seed-Programme-150x150.jpg2026-11-12T12:31:47+00:00FarmersTrend# TrendingBt cotton farming in Makueni gets a KSh3.18 million investment, with 795kg of seeds targeting 530 farmers and 350 tonnes of cotton production.Makueni Launches KSh3.18 Million Bt Cotton Programme to Support 530 Farmers and Revive Cotton Production Makueni County is stepping up efforts to revive cotton farming through the...FarmersTrendjohn doefarmerstrend@gmail.comAdministratorFarmers Trend Ltd.