National President of Cotton Association of Nigeria Mr. Anibe Achinaugu |
My name is
Anibe Achimugu, President, National cotton Association of Nigeria.
What is your response or disposition
to the new two improved Bt cotton varieties recently registered at National
Centre for Genetic Research and Biotechnology (NACRAB) for release in
commercial quantity to farmers?
It is a good
development for cotton growth in Nigeria. As you are aware, this is new
technology to enhance commercial production of cotton. We expect that Bt cotton
will be of better quality to the already existing old variety, and it can even
be cheaper as number of times you have to spray insecticide and the
quantity you will require on an hectare.
So these are the benefit we are looking forward to see.
Let us talk about the on the farm
trials by your association?
The first
level of the trial was conducted through Government Agencies particular by IAR,
Samaru, who has the national mandated for cotton. They have done it for two
years before now, so the release was appropriate. Let us not forget that there
were four Bt cotton varieties tested, and only two were found to be suitable to
our environment here in Nigeria. So the next thing now that is going on is
demonstration on the commercialization. Although the process started late, the
report we are getting is quite encouraging. But at this stage is too early to
say that the farmers have adopted it because we are only talking about 20 to 30
tons, but I am certain the result from IAR would encourage farmers to off-take
the commercial seeds from the seed companies.
What is your assessment of the market
for cotton now?
Cotton has
fallen now from what it used to be in Nigeria. What we have as an association
working with government under anchor borrower programme is to return the
produce back to its lost glory using a regulatory body that is private sector-led.
Also Nigeria should endeavor to enhance processing of the value chain of cotton
productivity to the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders. Also on the
issue of marketing board I want to say that all cotton producing countries have
a board that regulates the quality of seeds and processing with marketing.
We
need such also here that will take care from A to Z. the new board will ensure
that the seeds are good for increase yield. I am in support of the board, but
believing it will be private driven to penalize wrong doers in the sub sector.
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