Nigerian Government earmarks N100bn to revive cotton production

Nigerian Government earmarks N100bn to revive cotton production

To revive the cultivation of cotton, the Nigerian Government has earmarked the sum of N100 billion as credit facility for farmers to boost its production in the country.

The chairman, Presidential Committee for Revival of Cotton Production, Senator Walid Jibrin, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina State, northern Nigeria on Tuesday, said that government was worried about the low production of cotton, which had led to the collapse of many textile industries.

Senator Jibrin said the committee was touring some northern states to encourage the production of cotton, as its findings revealed that out of the 30,000 textile workers that existed before, only 24,000 were currently employed.

The presidential committee chairman, who met with farmers in Katsina, however, called on them to fully participate in the programme, by coming forward to benefit from the credit facility provided by the government.

He assured that the committee would come up with recommendations to the government for the revival of cotton production across the country.

Collaboration

Earlier, while receiving the committee, the state Governor, Ibrahim Shema, assured that his administration would collaborate with the committee to achieve the set objective.

Shema said that the government had assisted farmers with non interest loans of N250 million to encourage them participate fully in farming activities in the state.

Similarly, he said 340 tractors were purchased and sold to farmers at a subsidised rate, assuring that the government would continue to give attention to agricultural activities, to ensure more employment opportunities for the people.

NP/Adekusibe/Cokey