A farmer and agribusiness advocate, Mrs. Omowumi Helen Oduyemi, has said that large-scale cotton production has the potential to revive the economy of Southwest Nigeria if properly harnessed and supported with modern agricultural practices and value-chain development.
Oduyemi,who has been involved in crop production, processing and agricultural trade, said cotton remains one of the most strategic crops capable of driving industrial growth, job creation and export earnings in the region.
According to her, the Southwest once played a significant role in Nigeria’s cotton production before the collapse of processing infrastructure and weak linkages in the textile industry led to a steady decline in cultivation.
The Chief Trade Officer at Impact Hub Ibadan noted that the absence of functional ginneries and processing facilities discouraged many farmers from continuing cotton farming, forcing them to shift to other crops.
“The moment the value chain collapsed, farmers lost confidence in cotton production,” she said.
The agribusiness advocate explained that reviving cotton farming would require a coordinated effort across production, processing and manufacturing, stressing that no part of the chain can succeed in isolation.
She added that Nigeria’s dependence on imported textiles continues to undermine local industry growth, even though the country has the capacity to produce raw materials for a strong textile sector.
The farmer emphasised the need for modern technology in agriculture, including data-driven farming methods, improved seed varieties and precision tools to enhance productivity and reduce losses.
She also highlighted the importance of proper land measurement and farm planning, noting that inefficiencies in these areas have previously contributed to failed agricultural investments.
Despite past challenges, she maintained that cotton farming remains economically viable in the Southwest if stakeholders adopt a structured and technology-driven approach.
She urged government and private sector players to invest in reviving the cotton value chain, particularly through support for farmers, processing centres and textile industries.
According to her, such investment would not only boost agricultural productivity but also create employment opportunities for youths across the region.
“Cotton has the capacity to transform the Southwest economy if we get the value chain right,” she said.
The farmer called for stronger collaboration between farmers, investors and policymakers to ensure the sustainable development of the sector.
She expressed optimism that with renewed attention and strategic planning, cotton production could once again become a major economic driver in the Southwest.
