Nigeria has taken a significant step toward revitalising its cotton and textile sector with the launch of two genetically modified cotton varieties designed to boost yields, lower pesticide usage, and enhance fibre quality. The varieties—Mahyco C567 BGII and Mahyco C571 BGII—were officially introduced on Friday during a Mini Cotton Field Day organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in collaboration with Mahyco Nigeria PTE Ltd at NASC’s headquarters in Sheda, Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the event, Mr Kunle Adeseko, Director of Seed Industry Development, Technical Support and Commercial Services at NASC, highlighted that the field day reflects Nigeria’s renewed efforts to rebuild its cotton sector through access to quality seeds, improved farming practices, and strong institutional partnerships. He emphasised that cotton remains a strategic crop supporting millions of smallholder farmers and forming the backbone of the textile and garment industry. “These improved varieties demonstrate the potential when farmers have certified, high-performing seeds adapted to local conditions,” he said.
Adeseko acknowledged that challenges such as low yields, poor access to quality seeds, and weak value-chain connections had eroded farmer confidence over time. He noted that NASC’s Highway Seed Demonstration Programme is helping to restore trust by promoting certified seeds and demonstrating their performance across cotton-producing states.
In a keynote address on behalf of NASC’s Director-General, Mr Kalu Okwa said the Bt cotton varieties were developed by Mahyco in collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research and approved for commercial use following regulatory review. He stated that the varieties can produce between 3.5 and 4.4 tonnes per hectare, compared with the 900 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes per hectare typical of conventional cotton. The Bt technology provides resistance to bollworm, reducing pesticide use, lowering production costs, and increasing profitability for farmers. Okwa added that the improved fibre length and strength meet industrial requirements for ginneries and textile mills, underscoring the success of public–private collaboration.
Representing the Director-General and CEO of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Dr Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, explained that Bt cotton demonstrates how scientific innovation can increase yields, minimise crop losses, and improve rural livelihoods. “Bt cotton reduces bollworm damage, lowers pesticide usage, and improves productivity, contributing to safer fields, healthier communities, and a more competitive cotton sector in Nigeria,” she said, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to strong biosafety regulation and support for locally adapted biotechnology.
During the event, farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders toured demonstration plots and exchanged knowledge on agronomic practices, pest control, and post-harvest management. Participants emphasised that widespread adoption of the new varieties could stimulate the reopening of ginneries and textile mills, generate employment for youths and women, reduce textile imports, and boost the national economy. They also called for wider distribution of certified seeds and supportive policies, as NASC reiterated its dedication to maintaining seed quality standards and collaborating with partners to position Nigeria as a leading cotton producer in Africa.
