The National Ginger Association of Nigeria has praised the Federal Government for releasing N1.9 billion palliatives to reduce the heavy losses caused by the ginger blight disease that destroyed farmlands in 2023.
The association’s National President, Nuhu Dauda, gave the commendation during a stakeholders’ meeting and the inauguration of new members in Kaduna.
Dauda explained that the quick response, made possible through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, brought relief to thousands of farmers who had lost their crops.
He said, “The minister acted fast. That is why the Federal Government provided about N1.9 billion to support ginger farmers with palliatives.”
However, Dauda noted that while the assistance was helpful, it was not enough compared to the scale of the damage, as about 80 percent of ginger farmers were affected by the disease.
He called for a two-way solution: full compensation for affected farmers and long-term disease control measures that would allow ginger farming to continue without fear of another outbreak.
Dauda added, “We cannot allow this to continue. That is why stakeholders have come together to find a solution. The government is still working to ensure losses are compensated, but beyond that, we must make sure ginger farming continues and the disease is completely stopped.”
The association also announced a strategic partnership with global agribusiness company Dimitra International, to introduce modern farming methods and prevent future outbreaks. Through this collaboration, 6,000 ginger farmers are expected to benefit from improved practices and government-backed support.
The President of the Dawano Market Development Association and a board member of the Ginger Association, Mr. Muttaka Isah, also spoke at the meeting. He lamented the hardship ginger farmers had faced over the past five years.
He noted that Nigeria, once the second-largest producer of ginger in the world, had lost its international standing due to repeated outbreaks of blight.
“We want to take back that position. The government must empower farmers to revive this important industry,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that while palliatives were important in the short term, the real solution lies in long-lasting support, empowerment, and better farming systems to restore farmers’ livelihoods and help Nigeria regain its place as a global leader in ginger production.
