In 2022, Southern Kaduna, Nigeria, a region renowned for its high-quality ginger production, faced a severe setback as a fungal disease devastated crops, leading to substantial financial losses for local farmers. The crisis forced many growers to shift from ginger to alternative crops such as rice, beans, millet, turmeric, sweet potatoes, and maize in an effort to mitigate their losses.
Michael John, a ginger farmer from Kushe Kowi in Kagarko Local Government Area, shared his experience, highlighting the drastic impact of the disease on his livelihood. John noted the shift in agricultural focus over the years from yams and groundnuts to ginger, a move that had initially promised economic benefits but ultimately resulted in significant financial strain due to the fungal outbreak. The rising costs of seeds and other essential farming inputs have further discouraged farmers from continuing with ginger cultivation.
The reduction in ginger supply from Southern Kaduna is stark, with market operators like Babangida Abubakar and Rebecca Yakubu noting a dramatic decrease in the amount of ginger being transported, which has led to soaring prices. This scarcity has raised concerns about the sustainability of the ginger market in the region.
With ginger seed prices reaching N210,000 (approximately $481) per bag, a record high, the affordability of seeds has become a critical issue. The scarcity of quality seeds, a direct consequence of the fungal disease, has exacerbated the challenges faced by farmers.
Yusuf Danjuma, an agriculturist, has called for government intervention to address the crisis. He proposed the establishment of model farms for ginger seed propagation and distribution, alongside training for farmers on fungal disease management. Danjuma also emphasized the need for a unified farmer organization to advocate for their interests more effectively.
The decline in ginger farming has not only affected the farmers' income but also has broader economic and social implications for Southern Kaduna and Nigeria's position in the global ginger market. The vibrant ginger market that once thrived in Kafanchan has been significantly affected, with a noticeable absence of the usual commercial activities.
Stakeholders are urged to take immediate action to support the recovery of the ginger farming sector in Southern Kaduna. This includes investment in research for disease-resistant ginger varieties, financial support for affected farmers, and the provision of subsidized seeds to encourage a return to ginger farming. The collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is crucial to reviving this vital agricultural industry.
Source: Daily Trust