Industry minister asks for cotton galvanization

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.