Well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Cotton thrives in deep, fertile soils with good moisture retention.

Cotton is primarily grown in the northern region of Nigeria, especially in states like Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Borno, and Gombe. The North-West and North-East zones are the largest producers due to suitable climate and soil.

Rain-fed farming: June–July (beginning of rainy season). Irrigated farming: October–November (where water is available)

Rain-fed cotton: November–February. Irrigated cotton: March–May.

Early-maturing varieties: 140–160 days. Late-maturing varieties: 180–220 days.

Land Preparation: Land is cleared, plowed, and harrowed to create a fine seedbed. Planting: Seeds are sown at a depth of 2–5 cm, spaced 30 cm (between plants) × 75 cm (between rows). Recommended seed rate: 15–25 kg per hectare. Fertilizer Application: Apply NPK 15:15:15 at planting. Top-dress with Urea (46% N) at 6–8 weeks after planting. Organic manure (e.g., compost or farmyard manure) improves soil fertility.

Use of high-yield, pest-resistant cotton varieties such as SAMCOT 9, SAMCOT 10, and SAMCOT 11, developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Weed control through manual weeding or pre-emergence herbicides (e.g., Pendimethalin, Alachlor). Intercropping with maize, sorghum, or legumes to improve soil fertility. Irrigation systems used in some areas for dry season farming.

Major cotton pests in Nigeria include Cotton Bollworm, Whiteflies, Aphids, and Cotton Jassids. Control measures: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) using resistant varieties and biological control. Application of Lambda-cyhalothrin or Cypermethrin for pest control. Crop rotation with cereals to reduce pest buildup.

Cotton is harvested manually by handpicking the cotton bolls when fully opened. Mechanical cotton pickers are used in large-scale farms. Post-harvest processing: Cotton fibers are separated from seeds using ginning machines. Cotton seeds are processed into cottonseed oil and animal feed. Fibers are baled and transported to textile industries.

Nigeria is one of the leading cotton producers in West Africa, with over 600,000 hectares of land under cotton cultivation. Cotton is a major cash crop used in the textile industry, oil production, and livestock feed. The Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) policy by the Nigerian government supports cotton farming and textile industries. High export potential for cotton lint, cottonseed oil, and processed textiles. Cotton farming is supported by initiatives like CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), Nigerian Cotton Association (NCA), and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).