The Nigerian government has officially acknowledged the emergence of a ginger blight epidemic in four states across the country, resulting in substantial financial losses for ginger farmers amounting to over N12 billion.
This declaration was made during the inauguration of the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce in Abuja. It was revealed that the fungal disease has ravaged ginger farms in Kaduna, Nassarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the significant economic impact of the blight, emphasizing that it has not only devastated farmers’ incomes but has also jeopardized Nigeria’s status as the world’s second-largest ginger producer.
Despite the grim situation, Abdullahi assured that the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to support affected farmers. He announced that the government, through the National Agricultural Development Fund, will roll out a N1.6 billion recovery package specifically tailored for farmers in ginger-producing regions.
Source: Jordan 105.5fm News Bulletin
