‘Cotton can be economic game changer’

The President, National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), Mr Anibe Achimugu, has said that cotton can be game changer to the economy.

He told Daily Trust on Sunday in Abuja that successive governments have not given cotton production the needed support despite what it can do for the economy.

Achimugu said last year, 64, 000 cotton farmers were identified in 25 states, adding that their multiplier effect can be great if supported with funding.

He, however, expressed delight over the support of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to boost cotton production.

Achimugu, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Arewa Cotton, pointed out that NACOTAN was also working to support farmers with mini tractors.

The president warned that technology should not only be about importation but should be aimed at making foreign firms establish factories and provide spare parts and technological know-how.

He said his firm has acquired a parcel of land in Yala, Cross Rivers State, where farmers will be allocated one or two hectares to benefit from mechanise production.

Achimugu also asked for government support in the March 2018 conference of the African Cotton Association (ACA) to be hosted by Nigeria.

Also, Director-General, Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Alhaji Hamma Ali Kwajaffa, explained that some economic policies like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) affected cotton production.

He bemoaned the scrapping of marketing boards, which would have helped cotton farmers maintain competitive prices.