Boost to Yatta cotton farmers as state distributes pesticides

MUOKI CHARLES-KNA

More than 1,000 cotton farmers in Ndalani and neighbouring areas of Yatta Sub-county, Machakos County, have received pesticides and modern spraying machines in a government-backed initiative aimed at increasing production of resilient crops in the semi-arid region.

The support, rolled out through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), targeted farmers from Ndalani, Kisiiki, Kiwanzani, Nthungululu, Mbembani, Kivingoni and Kakongo clusters.

The programme seeks to lower production costs, improve pest control and enhance cotton yields in an area where the crop has increasingly become a reliable source of income due to its ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Director of the National Cotton Growers Union and Chairman of Ndalani Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society Francis Kilango urged leaders to prioritize investment in climate-smart agriculture to improve livelihoods in the region. 

“Leaders, whether elected or aspiring, should support farmers to embrace resilient crops such as cotton and sunflower. These crops perform well even in areas with unreliable rainfall and offer better returns to farmers,” said Kilango.

He noted that cotton has become an important economic pillar for thousands of households across Yatta, providing farmers with a dependable source of income even during prolonged dry spells.

Farmers led by Daniel Nzioki welcomed the intervention, saying the generator-powered spraying machines will make pest control more efficient, reduce labour costs and improve productivity.

They also called for continued access to subsidized inputs, extension services and modern farming technologies to sustain the revival of cotton farming and strengthen household incomes across Machakos County.