Cotton Farming Has Boosted Nigeria’s Economy-Sadiq Ado

From Abubakar Rabilu Gombe

The Chairman of the Cotton Producers and Merchant Association of Nigeria (COPMAN), Alhaji Sadiq Ado, has commended the association’s contribution in boosting the Nigerian economy.

Alhaji Sadiq Ado, said that in the current situation, we are neglecting the farming industry and it has deteriorated, but the Government is trying to revive the industry in order to move the country forward and revive the collapsed farms.

According to him, because of the increase in the value of the US dollar at the moment it has made the value of cotton to increase thus, resulting in the increase of farmers that have ventured into cotton farming.

The president disclosed this in his interview with our correspondent in Gombe where he stated that in Gombe State, there are more than ten thousand cotton farmers adding that the deterioration of agriculture has affected their economy.

He said there is nothing that creates employment in the country like cotton cultivation, from those who grow and sell it. Those who process it, and even the textile companies that make clothes and those who press cotton.

Alhaji Sadiq Ado, added that the Government’s withdrawal from the Cotton Farming industry has caused the decline of its business, but now in Gombe State, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya has focused on it and asked for their cooperation. He assured that some Europeans will return and the Farmers will see a change.

He also said that in recent years, the Anchor Borrowers programme introduced by the Federal Government has helped a lot in the development of the farming industry.

He then said that lack of cotton farming has made the existing cotton ginning facilities become inactive and this is also a setback in providing employment for the youth.

He then called on the farmers and businessmen who are transporting to keep on with the business and remain honest because dishonesty in the business and adulterating the cotton that is exported causes setbacks especially in selling it in foreign markets.

However, wherever you take the cotton of Gombe it will always be good everywhere.