GM cotton disappoints, threatens Nigerian textile sector's revival

While transgenic strains like MRC 7377BG11 and MRC 7361BG11 were expected to deliver dramatic rises in yield and enhanced pest resistance, those expectations have been shattered after more than five years and cotton growth remains ‘suboptimal’, said Michael Uguru, crop science expert at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He urged the government to prioritise boosting local cotton production to break the reliance on expensive imported cotton.

The intense focus on transgenic cotton had inadvertently diverted crucial attention and resources from other fundamental issues crippling the sector, he was cited as saying by a domestic media outlet.

These include the persistent problem of poor-quality agricultural inputs, insufficient investment in vital research and development and the devastating collapse of the textile industry itself.

Anibe Achimugu, president of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), emphasised that domestic cotton production stands at a precarious crossroads, grappling with the escalating challenges of climate change and relentless pest pressures. These have significantly contributed to the non-competitiveness of the domestic cotton sector, he noted.

He hoped that despite these setbacks, the establishment of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board by the government would play a crucial role in upgrading the entire cotton value chain.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)