Interview- Farmers will embrace new improved Bt cotton- National President

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.