The Minister
of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI)
Hajiya Aisa Abubakar has admonished stakeholders
at the value chains of cotton productivity to itemise steps on how to boost the
economic viability of the crop for more financial freedom and job creation for
stakeholders.
Hajiya
Abubakar who was represented by the Director, Commodities and Products
Inspectorates Department of the FMITI, Ms Opelolu Opeewe wanted all
stakeholders to proffer a lasting solution to moving forward cotton productivity
in Nigeria.
The minister
who wanted the stakeholders to brain storm and come up with better solutions
that would bring back the lost glory of the crop in terms of employment and wealth
creation as it used to be in the 70s where 80% of the population were fully
engaged at the value chains of production, processing and marketing stressed
the need for its better repositioning for the entire economic growth.
She
announced the setting up of a cleaning laboratory by the ministry in
partnership with Institute of Agricultural Research Institute (IAR) towards
enhancing the quality of cotton towards global standard in the productivity of
textiles and garments.
IAR
Executive Director, Prof. I.U Abubakar commended the gathering initiated by
FMITI in partnership with National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN)
saying the meeting must proffer strategic solutions to challenges confronting
the sub sector. Already the Institute has released two Bt cotton varieties that
can give 4.4 tons per hectare with early maturing and tolerance to striga and
drought in all growing states.
The
following were some of the recommendations
·
Stakeholders
observed that unavailability of improved cotton seed is affecting the
revitalization of the cotton, textile and garment sector since production is an
important component in the cotton value chain.
·
They
also observed that the Nigeria’s cotton sub sector is bedevilled by lack of
good quality seed to enhance cotton production in the country.
·
Farmers
were advised to select high yielding cotton seed from credible sources like IAR
so as to achieve optimal yield at harvest.
·
They
advised farmers to embrace good agricultural practices and stick to good
quality seed to achieve optimal yield.
·
Stakeholders
advocated for synergy between the National Agricultural Seeds Council, The Raw
Materials Research and Development Council and NACOTAN to achieve enhanced
multiplication and distribution of cotton seeds among farmers
·
That
there should be a follow-up meeting between CBN, IAR, NACOTAN and seed
companies to fine-tune the process of production and off take between producers
and ginners as well as to address quality issues in the seed cotton
·
They
advised the government to fund the research Institutes as a way of supporting
their mandate for research and development
·
Stakeholders
advised that the commercialization of Bt cotton should be concluded speedily
for timely planting.
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