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Busia County Cotton Farmers Set to Benefit from AFA’s Value-Addition Initiative with New Seed Milling Machine
In a significant boost to the cotton sub-sector, over 10,000 small-scale farmers from Busia County and surrounding regions are poised to benefit from a state-of-the-art cotton seed milling machine donated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). The initiative, aimed at enhancing value addition and increasing farmers’ profitability, was officially commissioned during a training session held at Luanda Ginnery, signaling a new era of growth for local cotton producers.
Government-Backed Push for Value Addition in Cotton Farming
Speaking at the event, AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru emphasized that the donation aligns with the government’s broader strategy to revitalize Kenya’s agricultural sector through value addition, mechanization, and market-driven production.
“This milling machine is a game-changer for our cotton farmers,” said Dr. Linyiru. *“By enabling the processing of cotton seed into oil and seed cake, we are not only increasing the farm gate price by 8-11% but also empowering farmers to tap into high-value markets, boosting their incomes and sustainability.”*
The initiative is part of AFA’s mandate to strengthen agribusiness opportunities under the national agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritizes crop diversification, agro-processing, and export competitiveness.
High-Level Support from Government and Local Leaders
The commissioning ceremony was graced by Hon. Wilberforce Oundo, Member of Parliament for Funyula Constituency, who lauded the intervention as a critical step toward uplifting rural economies.
“Cotton farming has long been a key economic activity in Busia, and this milling machine will revolutionize production by reducing post-harvest losses and creating new revenue streams,” said Hon. Oundo. “We urge farmers to take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance productivity and profitability.”
Other notable attendees included:
Senior officials from the AFA’s Miraa, Fibre, Pyrethrum, and Other Industrial Crops Directorate
Representatives from the Busia County Government
Leaders from local cooperative unions
Cotton farmers and industry stakeholders
Strengthening Cooperatives and Market Linkages
The event also served as a platform for training farmers and cooperative leaders on the operation and benefits of the milling machine, ensuring optimal utilization. By processing cotton seed locally, farmers will reduce dependency on middlemen, gain better control over pricing, and access premium markets for by-products such as cottonseed oil and animal feed cake.
A Step Toward Revitalizing Kenya’s Cotton Industry
Kenya’s cotton sector has faced declining production over the years due to low prices, poor seed quality, and limited processing infrastructure. However, with strategic interventions like this, the government aims to restore the sector’s viability, particularly in Western Kenya, where cotton farming holds significant potential.
The AFA’s investment in modern ginning and milling technology is expected to:
✔ Increase farmers’ earnings through value addition
✔ Encourage more youth and women to engage in cotton farming
✔ Strengthen cooperative societies for better bargaining power
✔ Support the textile industry’s demand for locally sourced cotton
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth for Cotton Farmers
With this latest development, Busia’s cotton farmers are now better positioned to maximize returns from their harvests while contributing to Kenya’s industrialization and job creation agenda. The AFA has pledged continued support through training, access to quality seeds, and market linkages, ensuring long-term sustainability for the sector.
As Kenya works toward reducing textile imports and promoting locally made products, initiatives like the Luanda Ginnery milling machine serve as a model for agricultural transformation, demonstrating how public-private partnerships and innovation can uplift farming communities.