Story By AMINU DALHATU
In a bid to support small holder ginger farmers who suffered losses from the ginger epidemic in 2023, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has flagged off the distribution of recovery support packages to over five thousand farmers in southern part of the state.
The Governor while flagging off the distribution in Kachia Local government, said the packages valued at 1.6 billion naira were donated by the Federal government through the National Agricultural Development Fund, as part of intervention to support the farmers who lost their livelihoods.
Represented his Deputy Dr Hadiza Balarabe, governor Sani said each of the farmers would receive a support package that includes four bags of NPK and two bags of urea fertilizer, as well as two bags of maize and sorghum seeds and herbicides sufficient to cultivate one hectare of farmland.
According to him, the initiative was a critical component of the government’s efforts to deliver short-term relief by the federal and state government, as well the organizations to alleviate the challenges of the farmers.
“Today is a pivotal moment as we come together to bring hope to our resilient ginger farming community. Following the significant losses experienced during last year’s ginger epidemic, which deeply affected each one of you, we stand in unity to provide a support package that will empower you to cultivate alternative crops in this farming season”.
“The fungal outbreak that decimated our ginger plantations in the 2023 farming season dealt a severe blow, leading to an estimated loss of a staggering 12 billion Naira. Livelihoods were disrupted, harvests were devastated, and the foundation of our ginger industry was threatened”.
“The Programs were implemented to aid farmers in transitioning to planting alternative crops in the upcoming 2024 farming season, offering a lifeline for economic stability”.
Governor Uba Sani explained that the establishment of the National Ginger Epidemic Control Task Force underscores the commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively and sustainably for the long term.
He assured the ginger farmers that both the Kaduna and federal government are fully dedicated to safeguarding ginger production in Nigeria.
“We are resolute in ensuring that our farmers receive the necessary resources and support to thrive once again. The State Ministry of Agriculture has already identified farmlands free from the fungal infection, and the government will aid farmers in those areas to cultivate our distinctive ginger variety, ensuring seed availability for the next farming season”.
The governor announced that more comprehensive support package is underway for both small holder and big ginger farmers to help improve ginger production in the state.
Some farmers who spoke with journalists expressed gratitude to the federal and Kaduna State government for the gesture to alleviate their loses during the last year farming season.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Commissioners of Agriculture and Business Innovation and Technology among other government officials and dignitaries.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
