Dr. Achimugu, President of NACOTAN, expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive proposal submitted by CCSA, particularly the urgent need for improved seed development moving away from traditional, less efficient trial-and-error cultivation methods.

CCSA outlined its multi-faceted strategy for revitalising cotton farming, acknowledging the complex challenges inherent in cotton production. "The hurdles facing cotton production are multifaceted, but with innovative technology and data-driven approaches, we are confident these can be overcome," stated Professor Ibrahim Katampe, a CCSA representative. The Centre's approach leverages precision agriculture, AI-powered advisories, and advanced resource management tools to empower farmers to achieve higher yields, better quality, and improved sustainability.

Key challenges and CCSA's technological solutions discussed included how cotton's susceptibility to pests, such as bollworms and aphids, and diseases, such as bacterial blight, often leads to severe crop damage and increased costs. CCSA's AI satellite monitoring system can detect early signs of pest infestation by analysing changes in crop health indicators, enabling farmers to implement targeted control measures promptly, thereby reducing overall pesticide use and improving effectiveness. Furthermore, as a water-intensive crop, efficient water management is crucial, and CCSA's solutions address water scarcity and issues like waterlogging by providing precise insights into optimal irrigation practices. Maintaining optimal soil health is essential and CCSA's technology will provide precise insights into soil conditions and optimal nutrient management practices, contributing to improved cotton fibre quality and consistent crop performance. Lastly, recognising the impact of changing weather patterns and extreme events, CCSA's climate-smart practices aim to build resilience against droughts, floods and the evolving prevalence of pests and diseases.

Discussions also touched upon NACOTAN's proactive preparations for the upcoming 2025 cotton planting season, scheduled from June to November. These preparations include extensive engagements with local stakeholders, targeting up to 300,000 hectares in Niger State, and exploring international collaborations, including with the Republic of Benin. Dr. Achimugu further underscored NACOTAN's strong support for CCSA's innovative strategies, particularly the adoption of cluster farming, recognising its potential to enhance productivity and efficiency.

A cornerstone of this partnership is the commitment to training and extension services. Providing farmers with education on modern agricultural practices and access to extension services is crucial for adopting new technologies and improving farming techniques. In a demonstration of this commitment, NACOTAN expressed keen interest in utilising the conference facilities at Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, on or before the commencement of the farming season. The objective is to host vital training and educational workshops for stakeholders on best agricultural practices.

CCSA highlighted its existing strategic partnerships with prominent Land-grant Universities in the United States, renowned for their specialities in water resource management and cotton research. These collaborations will provide invaluable expertise and resources to the Nigerian initiative.