Adamawa partners NABDA to boost cotton production with genetically modified seeds
The Adamawa State government has expressed its readiness to boost cotton production in the state, following the introduction of genetically modified cotton seeds, BT Cotton 2 approved by the National Biotechnology Development Agency, to farmers in the state.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who pledged to support cotton farmers with seeds and other agricultural inputs, said the state was working towards boosting cotton production, in anticipation of the Federal Government’s vision to revive cotton ginneries and the textile sector.
He lamented the decline in cotton production in the state over the last decade, despite the state’s soil and climate that is well-suited for cotton production.
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Fintiri, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mrs Dorathy Augustine, spoke during the introduction of hybrid vegetable seeds to farmers following the success of hybrid cotton seeds, earlier introduced to farmers in the state.
She said, “The adoption of BT Cotton seeds has the potential to bring in a cotton revolution in the state and gain back the past glory of the state, as a prime cotton-producing state and revival of the associated industry in the state.
“The revival of cotton farming will not only enhance income levels of farmers, but also strengthen the economy of the state by employment generation, and revival of the cotton-related industry. Biotechnology is giving us a second chance to revive our moribund textile industry, and this revival will be incomplete if we fail to get the extension aspect of it right.”
The Deputy Director, NABDA, Dr Rose Gidado, said farmers in Adamawa State could benefit from the productivity of GM seeds approved by the agency for use by Nigerian farmers.
According to her, although the agency’s role is in research and provision of technology, it is planning to make GM seeds available to farmers through agricultural loans and credit programmes.
