The National Agricultural Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) on Saturday urged the federal government to revive textile industries in the country to encourage local cotton production.

The director of NABDA, Rose Gidado, made the call while inspecting the 261 hectares of cotton farm owned by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa.

“The federal government should revive the textile industry to provide ready markets for cotton production,” Ms Gidado said.

She suggested, “The interest rate of the loan repayment to farmers should be low while they should also be supported with inputs.”

The NABDA boss said the revival would help create empowerment and improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“State governments and wealthy individuals should provide soft loans for farmers to engage in cotton production using improved seed varieties,” she said.

She enlightened farmers to adequately manage their farms using good agronomic practices.

Ms Gidado noted that if farmers return to cotton cultivation, gineries and the textile industries would have access to many raw materials.

Ahmed Shelleng, the farm manager, said cotton production in the area has created jobs for many people.

(NAN)