Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has expressed concern over drastic drop in cotton production in the state.

Fintiri made his feelings known while inaugurating the 2021 Cotton Field Day, on Tuesday in Yola.

The field day entitled: “Bollgard II Cotton,” was organised by Mahyco Nigeria Ltd in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigeria.

Fintiri described the drop in cotton production as a great set back, especially now that the Federal Government was making efforts to reinvigorate textile industries.

The governor said the trend negatively impacted income of the small holder farmer and the economy of the state.

“Cotton has been a major cash crop cultivated by many farmers contributing to their livelihood and the economy of the state.

“The soil and climate of Adamawa are among the best suitable for cotton cultivation.

“However, over the last decade or so, the area under cotton cultivation has been on decline due to low productivity level caused by lack of good seed and pest incidence,” he said.

He said that the transformation of cotton farming would not only enhance income level of farmers but also strengthen the economy of the state through revival of cotton related industry and Lint export.

Fintiri expressed delight for the conduct of this year’s Cotton Field Day and the unveiling of the Mahyco Cotton BG2 Hybrids in the state.

He said that the Hybrid seed would assist cotton farmers significantly with higher superior quality seed and cut cost of pest control.

In her remarks, Dr Rose Maxwell, Deputy Director of the NABDA, said the field day is designed to interact with cotton farmers at grassroots and expose them to the biotechnological advancements on cotton seed and other crop potentials.

Maxwell said, “the significant of this field day is very high as some farmers for the first time have seen the improved genetically and modified cotton seed.

“The modified cotton seed give farmers higher yields beyond imagination, protect against insects and drought resistance.”

She said that the biotech cotton and other improved variety seeds has a great economy chance for farmers and food security.

Maxwell advised farmers to give much emphasis on genetically modified seeds for more profits and sustainable development.

Malam Bawuro Musa, a cotton grower, said that he cultivated cotton for the past two decades, adding that “I have never seen an improved cotton variety like BG2 Hybrid seed.”

Musa urged the federal and state governments to support the farmers with seeds to encourage productivity.