Concerns over the absence of a structured ginger value chain in the Kaduna South Senatorial District have prompted Senator Sunday Marshall Katung to facilitate the empowerment of over 150 individuals within the district. This initiative, a collaborative effort with the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, provided beneficiaries with financial aid and slicing machines to augment ginger production capabilities.
The empowerment program also included training sessions on contemporary ginger processing techniques, aiming to enhance the quality and value of ginger produced in the area. The senator's representative, Mr Christopher Haruna, highlighted the program's objective to uplift ginger production standards. Participants were encouraged to leverage the training for improved production, with financial incentives of N50,000 each and the provision of slicing machines for groups of ten.
Support for this initiative was echoed by the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, with promises of continued technical assistance to ginger farmers in Southern Kaduna. The importance of Nigerian ginger on the global stage, along with the challenges faced by local farmers, was discussed by Professor Ibrahim Abbas Sodangi. He underscored the high demand for Nigerian ginger worldwide while addressing the critical issues of soil fertility, seed availability, agronomic practices, pest and disease control, post-harvest handling, processing, and technological integration.
The selection process for the program's beneficiaries was meticulous, ensuring representation from all eight local government areas within the senatorial district. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging the significant insights and skills gained from the training, which they believe will enhance their ginger farming and processing endeavors.
Source: Leadership