Pam Moses

The National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) has pledged its commitment to support government’s efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy through cotton value chain.

The President of the association, Mr Anibe Achimugu, made the pledge at the flag-off of the 2021 cotton wet season harvest in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau on Tuesday.

Achimugu said cotton had played a significant role in Nigeria’s economy from the 60’s to the 80’s, and that if improved upon, it would diversify the economy and create employment for millions of Nigerians.

“NACOTAN which is the apex body for all cotton farmers in Nigeria has pledged its commitment in supporting government’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy through the cotton value chain. Cotton has played a significant role in the economy from the 60’s to the 80’s,but it was later abandoned for crude oil as Nigeria’s major revenue earner.

He said if cotton farming is completely revived, it would not only improve the economy, it will also provide job opportunities to millions of Nigerians

The president said the association had cultivated over 39 thousand hectres of cotton farms in 2021 accross 17 states covering the North-West, North-Central and South- West regions of the country.

He said the association had also acquired 97 brand new tractors which had helped with the 2021 wet season cultivation and in turn increased yields.

Plateau State Governor Barr. Simon Lalong, represented by the Managing Director, Plateau Investment and Property Development, Mr Chris Yilsa,said the State had all it took to boost cotton production as well as its value chain.

Lalong thanked the association for investing in Plateau and assured that the State Government would take all necessary steps to assist it to boost agriculture in the state and the nation.

The Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, who provided land to the Association, stressed the need for partnership between the Wase local government and farmers.

Sambo said the local government was willing to donate more land in an effort to boost Agriculture in the country.

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Association to support government’s efforts to diversify economy through cotton value chain