FG Inaugurates Ginger Blight Epidemic Taskforce, As Farmers Lose N12 billion

The task force comprises of expert’s stakeholders from government, international organisations and researchers assembled to tackle the situation.

Speaking at the Launch event, in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital, the Minister of State for Agriculture in Nigeria Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi said the blight has caused great losses to Nigerian farmers and threatens Nigeria’s position as the second largest ginger producer in the world.

“Specifically, the blight has caused billions of Naira in losses, impacting not only the livelihoods of countless hardworking farmers but also Nigeria’s position as the world’s second-largest ginger producer.”

Speaking on the impact of the blight on the soil, Mr. Abdullahi said about 70% of land cultivated could be affected.

“Furthermore, considering that over 85% of Nigeria’s ginger cultivation occurs in this region, we can safely assume. 

While assuring farmers of governments commitment to addressing the issues, the Minister said government recognizes the critical role the ginger industry plays in the growth of the Country’s economy and the is working to support farmers and prevent future occurrence.

According to him the taskforce will serve as the cornerstone of response going forward, bringing together the expertise of

researchers, extension agents, and most importantly, the farmers to overcome the challenge and build a more resilient ginger industry.

He said the Taskforce through the National Agriculture Development Fund (NADFund) is launching a N1.6 billion recovery package for affected farmers adding that the swift action demonstrates government’s commitment to addressing the issue with urgency.