By Victoria Ojeme

ABUJA: The Federal Government has signed  a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an Indian company, West African Cotton Company Limited (WACOT) to increase cotton yield by 400, 000 metric tons per year.

The MOU also provides for increase in the export of cotton lint by 100,000 over a period of four years.

According to the terms of the MOU exclusively obtained by Vanguard in Abuja, WACOT is mandated to supply certified cotton seeds to cotton farmers through the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN).

Details of the MOU signed between WACOT and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides for, “increase seed cotton production to at least 400,000 metric tons over a period of four years with the use of Good Agricultural Practices, Certified Seeds, recommended dosage of Fertilizers, Bio-Fertilizers and Crop Protection Chemicals etc.

“The Client and Investor will produce adequate quantity of Breeder, Foundation Stage 1, Foundation Stage 11 and Certified Cotton Seed to achieve the seed cotton production of at least 400,000 metric tons over a period of four years”

“Increase the Export of Cotton lint by 100,000 metric tons over four years; Provide best practices /processing techniques and market access for Nigerian cotton”

“The development of the required minimum quantities of Breeder and Foundation Stage 1 Seeds for the successful implementation of the Project along with, the Investor and Research institutes as per below” the MOU added.

As part of its obligation under the MOU, WACOT has unveiled a new set of guidelines to Nigerian cotton farmers, which would significantly advance the achievement of set targets.

The guidelines covers, land preparation, planting, fertilizer application, weed management, pest management and harvesting.

Confirming this development, Chairman of NACOTAN, Alhaji Hamma Kwajaffa said cotton farmers under this umbrella of the Association are already benefiting from this initiative.

He informed Vanguard in a chat that, under the MOU, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources through WACOT distributes free cotton seed to farmers, while WACOT offers free technical and extension services to farmers to achieve the desired goal of increasing cotton production in Nigeria.

According to him, “The agreement with WACOT is in promotion of certified cotton seeds production to address the challenges of dearth of pure cotton seeds.

Kwajaffa stated that WACOT is already on ground in North West states of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Zamfara and North east states of Borno and Gombe to, “promote the cotton seed multiplication scheme in a pragmatic and sustainable manner.

“In these states, WACOT and NACOTAN are mobilizing farmers in clusters and co-operatives, as well as supporting the out growers with seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals” he added.

The NACOTAN chairman also confirmed that WACOT has exhibited exemplary diligence in its assignment, stressing that, he had checked with the ginneries and they were happy and satisfied, “by the co-operation extended by WACOT staff.