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Kaduna ginger farmers face unmet support and soaring seed prices after fungal epidemic

In 2023, ginger farmers in Kaduna, Nigeria, faced a fungal disease epidemic, resulting in an estimated loss of $15.7 million. President Bola Tinubu responded by establishing the $2.1 million Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE) fund to support the new planting season. The Kaduna State government also launched a scheme via the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) to provide farm inputs, including fertilizers and seeds.

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) announced that the federal intervention fund would be available to farmers in seven local government areas: Kachia, Jaba, Kagarko, Zangon-Kataf, Kaura, Jema'a, and Sanga. However, investigations revealed that many farmers did not receive the necessary support, particularly ginger seeds, which saw prices soar to $270 per bag.

Innocent Isaac, a farmer from Kachia, expressed his frustration, stating, "Life has been harsh since the 2023 epidemic, but my pains increased seeing some farmers accessing the government intervention funds while others like me got nothing." Many farmers in Kachia, Jaba, and Zangon-Kataf reported not benefiting from the fund, with some turning to alternative trades.

Farmers like Alice Abel and Patience Luka shared their disappointment, as the fund did not reach them. The village head of Hurgyan, John Ayuba, confirmed that despite 471 farmers registering, none received support. The Kaduna State government clarified that resources were limited, and not all farmers could be assisted. State Director of Agriculture, Bege Bungwon, mentioned that the state's support program provided farm inputs and encouraged crop diversification.

Source: The Sun

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