By Abdullahi I
The Zamfara State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) joined Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) NEPC in a capacity building workshop on cotton and groundnut value chain development on the 16th April, 2026, to explore strategies for improving cotton and groundnut production and marketing in Zamfara State. The workshop, held at the Zamfara Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ZACCIMA), brought together key stakeholders across the agricultural and industrial sectors.
The NEPC State Coordinator, Ahmed Ahijo Tujani, in his remarks, emphasized the export potential of both crops and its derivatives. He encouraged stakeholders to focus on improving quality standards, strengthening value chains, and leveraging NEPC support for market access and export development. He also urged participants to take advantage of government-backed export promotion initiatives to reposition cotton as a competitive commodity in the international market.
The RMRDC delegation led by the State Coordinator, Muhammad Gambo Yaro, in his contribution, reiterated Council’s mandate in promoting local raw materials development and emphasized the importance of value addition in both sectors. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt improved technologies in cotton and groundnuts processing and assured of RMRDC’s readiness to support research, industrial linkages, and capacity development to strengthen the cotton value chain.
A major highlight of the workshop was the concern raised over the declining level of cotton production in Nigeria. Stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to revive the sector, noting its critical role in supporting the textile industry and broader industrial development.
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Speakers underscored the importance of government intervention, particularly in supporting farmers with improved and certified cotton seeds and groundnuts, as well as ensuring the timely supply of fertilizers and agrochemicals, and access to modern farming inputs and equipment.
The proposed involvement of a Cotton Development Agency and other relevant bodies in ensuring the distribution of high-quality seeds was also strongly emphasized.
Stakeholders highlighted the need to move beyond primary production to value addition within the cotton and groundnut value chain. On cotton, participants encouraged investments in processing into products such as yarn, textiles, cottonseed oil, and other by-products.
This approach, according to stakeholders, will Increase income generation, create employment opportunities and strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imports.
There were also calls for policy measures, including the regulation of imported textiles, to boost demand for locally produced cotton and support Nigeria’s textile industry.
The workshop identified several challenges hindering cotton production, including Poor producer pricing, Pest and disease infestations, Late supply of inputs, Use of low-quality or uncertified seeds and Inadequate financing and extension services.
Participants stressed the need for continuous farmer training, improved extension services, and timely access to quality inputs to overcome these barriers and address security concerns affecting farming communities. This includes appealing to the government to ensure adequate protection for farmers for safe agricultural activities.
Consequently, Stakeholders highlighted the need for farmers to adopt improved groundnut varieties to enhance yield, quality, and productivity. They advocated for proper fertilizer application, particularly phosphorus-based fertilizers such as P₂O₅, which play a critical role in root development, pod formation, and healthy crop growth.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and strategic discussions on revitalizing Nigeria’s cotton sector. The insights gained are expected to contribute to improved productivity, increased farmers’ income, and sustainable growth of the cotton and groundnut value chain in Zamfara State and across the country.
