By Salifu Faridat
Farmers in the Southern part of Kaduna State have unfortunately experienced substantial financial losses, amounting to over N10 billion, due to a devastating fungal infection affecting ginger production.
The situation has prompted the farmers to urgently call for immediate intervention from the Kaduna State government. The significant impact of this disease on the local economy underscores the pressing need for support and solutions to mitigate further losses.
In response to the ginger disease that has affected Southern Kaduna, the National Ginger Association of Nigeria (NGAN) and the Non-Farmer Initiative have joined forces to support affected farmers.
They have provided financial assistance of N50,000 each to 18 farmers to help alleviate the impact of the disease.
NGAN expressed their concern over the significant setback faced during the 2023 ginger season in Southern Kaduna and lamented the loss of over N10 billion that could have contributed to the state’s economy.
The President of the National Ginger Association of Nigeria (NGAN), Squadron Leader NB Daudu (rtd), emphasized the need for both the federal and state governments to take action against the ginger disease.
Daudu also highlighted that Nigeria’s ginger production output is hindered by the absence of a processing plant, preventing it from competing effectively in the global market.
It is absolutely essential to establish a state-of-the-art ginger processing plant that adheres to international standards. The quality of our processed ginger and its packaging has been a significant factor in our nation’s underperformance in ginger exports on the global stage.
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that ginger cultivation serves as the primary means of sustenance for the inhabitants of Kachia Local Council.
These resilient ginger farmers have made substantial contributions to our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Therefore, we fervently implore the government to extend their support to these farmers who have been severely impacted by this perplexing disease.