The Nigerian Federal Government has announced the emergence of a ginger blight epidemic impacting four states, leading to substantial financial losses for farmers. During the launch of the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce in Abuja, it was disclosed that the fungal affliction has severely affected ginger crops in Kaduna, Nassarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the epidemic's detrimental effects on the nation's economy and its status as a leading ginger producer. Abdullahi emphasized the extensive damage to cultivated lands across the region.
In response to the crisis, the government is set to introduce a recovery package through the National Agricultural Development Fund, aimed at supporting the affected ginger farmers. The initiative underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in protecting agricultural assets, with a focus on research, extension services, and farmer support. Abubakar Abdullahi, the task force committee chairman, stressed the epidemic's negative impact on the subsector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, advocating for immediate action to mitigate these effects.
Source: punchng.com