Post by Trade Coach on Nov 23, 2018 20:38:04 GMT 1
As part of efforts aimed at revitalising the textile industry in the country, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), has developed and released thirteen new improved cotton varieties.
Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ibrahim Umar-Abubakar, revealed this during the 2018 Annual Cotton Master Sample and Production Meeting held at Zaria, Kaduna State.
Umar-Abubakar who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Dauda Dada-Yusuf said the essence of the meeting was to make the new technologies available to farmers.
The Director who noted that cotton offered employment opportunities to over 50% Nigerians in the 1980s urged all farmers to adopt the improved seeds to boost productivity and enhance their revenue.
In his words, “In the 80s, cotton alone was contributing more than 25 per cent to the GDP, but now it is contributing only four per cent; the difference is very wide.”
He added that “The reason is that we don’t have good quality seeds available to our local farmers. Remember, many of our farmers are illiterates, and cotton is a scientific crop.”
“You need to know when to go to the farm and do your planting; you need to know the rate of planting and farm inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and so on, and when and how to apply them.” He explained.
