Nairobi — Industrialisation ministry PS, Prof. John Lonyangapuo has asked farmers in Kerio Valley to embark on cotton farming as demand for the crop is increasing.

He said that the renewal of the Salawa ginnery in Baringo Central District would help the area people boost the country's economy through cotton growing.

The PS was speaking during a cotton awareness public meeting in Marakwet District where he was the chief guest. "The crop is in high demand at the moment and its potential for having a sustainable market is evident" said Mr Lonyangapuo .

Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof Richard Mibey said that the area had been producing high quality cotton in the past and urged farmers to take advantage of the ready market created by the revival of Rift Valley Textile Mills.

The University has partnered with local MPs and Oklahoma State University in the US to woo back farmers who stopped growing the crop due to poor prices and lack of a ready market. The crop will fetch Sh30 per kilo up from Sh14 previously.

Marakwet west MP Boaz Keino asked the Marakwet, Pokot and Keiyo communities to take the offer of assistance from the university in good faith and join hands in promoting a cotton growing programme for higher production to be realised.