The Federal Government has taken decisive action against the devastating fungal disease affecting ginger production in several states by inaugurating the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce.
Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the formation of the task force during its inauguration in Abuja on Monday. He highlighted the significant losses suffered by ginger farmers in states including Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, due to the epidemic.
Abdullahi emphasized the economic importance of Nigerian ginger, citing projections indicating a surge in international market demand from $4.16 billion in 2013 to $6.29 billion by 2030. He stressed that Nigerian ginger presents a substantial opportunity for the country’s economic growth.
The minister lamented the adverse effects of the epidemic on Nigeria’s standing as the world’s second-largest producer of ginger. He revealed staggering losses, noting that ginger farmers in Southern Kaduna alone suffered over N12 billion in losses, representing 85 percent of the country’s ginger production.
To address the crisis, Abdullahi assured affected farmers of government support, including relief materials to mitigate the impact of the damage and prevent future occurrences. He announced the launch of a N1.6 billion Recovery Fund in Kaduna State later in the week to aid ginger farmers in affected states.
Comprising researchers, extension service agents, farmers, and other stakeholders, the National Taskforce aims to coordinate efforts in combating the epidemic and revitalizing the ginger sub-sector.
Abdullahi stressed the importance of robust research and support systems in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for preparedness to ensure a prosperous future.
He also urged Nigerian farmers to adhere to proper procedures, including obtaining seeds through the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), to prevent the introduction of crop diseases through importation.
In response, Engr. Abubakar Garba Abdullahi, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture and Chairman of the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce, pledged the task force’s commitment to reviving the ginger sub-sector and restoring the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) affected by the epidemic.
