Brazil to build cotton seeds lab
What you need to know:
- Speaking after visiting Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma, Brazilian Cooperation Agency team leader Carlos Canesin said they are also investing in four East African countries.
- Farmers from Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda will also have a chance to get quality, tolerant seeds and professional advice.
The Brazil government will build a cotton seeds laboratory and a research centre in Kisumu.
The centre to be situated at the Kibos Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) will also be used to test seeds to determine the best variety to grow in the region.
Speaking after visiting Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma, Brazilian Cooperation Agency team leader Carlos Canesin said they are also investing in four East African countries.
“We expect to start field trials mid next year and analyse how the project will perform,” added Mr Canesin.
Farmers from Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda will also have a chance to get quality, tolerant seeds and professional advice.
Mr Canesin revealed that they will use Mwanza in Tanzania as the nerve centre of their East African business.
“We have already carried out basic field research and have identified areas in the four countries where our pilot projects will be based,” said Mr Canesin.
Governor Ranguma urged government researchers to develop seeds that are disease resistant.
Mr Ranguma described the cotton and sugar industry as the backbone of his economy adding that the county government was keen on reviving the sector.
Kisumu Agriculture Executive Stephen Orot said the revival of cotton will lead to growth of industries.
