Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
IAR HOLDS 2026 COTTON MASTER SAMPLE AND PRODUCTION MEETING
The Institute for
Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on
Wednesday, 28 October 2026, held its 2026 Cotton Master Sample and Production
Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing
cotton production in Nigeria and strategies for revitalising the nation’s
cotton industry.
The meeting attracted
representatives of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), the
Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs), the Raw Materials
Research and Development Council (RMRDC), the National Seed Council,
scientists, and serving and retired programme leaders. Representatives from
Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, and Katsina States also participated.
The Executive Director
of IAR, Prof. Ado A. Yusuf, was represented by the Assistant Director Research,
Prof. L. J. Bamaiyi, who also represented the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof.
Ahmed Adamu.
In his remarks, the
Executive Director expressed concern over declining cotton production and the
poor quality of cotton seeds in Nigeria. He stressed the need to improve seed
quality, strengthen research and development, meet international standards, and
deepen collaboration between research institutions and the private sector to
restore the industry’s competitiveness.
The meeting featured a paper presentation titled “Hybrid Cotton
in the Nigerian Cotton Production Landscape: Challenges and Prospects,”
delivered by Mr. Samuel Oloruntoba. The presentation stimulated discussions on
the potential of hybrid cotton and the challenges affecting cotton production
and marketing in Nigeria.
Participants expressed
serious concern over the declining state of the cotton industry, identifying
poor-quality seeds, reduced production, inadequate research funding, and the
need to improve profitability for farmers as critical issues requiring urgent
attention.
One of the major recommendations was the revival of the Cotton
Board to coordinate efforts towards restoring Nigeria’s cotton industry.
Participants proposed that the board should provide a comprehensive framework
for addressing seed quality, research and development, production, marketing,
and collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
They also called for
sustained government support, increased funding for cotton research, stronger
cooperation among scientists and research institutions, and greater private-sector
investment to make cotton farming more attractive and profitable.
Other activities included the preparation and certification of
the 2026 cotton master sample boxes by the Chief Classer, Mr. Jatau, and
presentations of state situation reports on cotton production. These activities
provided an opportunity to assess the state of cotton production and reinforce
the importance of maintaining quality standards.
In his vote of thanks,
the Programme Leader, Dr. Nura Musa, appreciated participants for their
attendance, active engagement, and valuable contributions. He encouraged continued
collaboration among stakeholders in developing practical solutions to the
challenges confronting the cotton industry.
The meeting concluded
with a call for coordinated action by government agencies, research
institutions, seed organisations, farmers’ associations, and private-sector
stakeholders to revive Nigeria’s cotton industry and restore its productivity
and economic importance.
Institute for
Agricultural Research (IAR), ABU Zaria — Driving Agricultural Research,
Innovation and Transformation.
#IAR #ABUZaria #CottonProduction #CottonResearch #AgriculturalResearch #SeedQuality #AgriculturalDevelopment #RevivingNigeriasCottonIndustry
Share This News