Nigeria Times

In response to the devastating ginger blight that struck major ginger-producing states in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the directive of the Vice President’s office, has taken significant action. Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, inaugurated a task force, led by Engr. Abubakar Abdullahi, to tackle the fungal disease affecting farmers in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce has submitted the Ginger Seed Road Map to the ministry, emphasizing the need for a formal seed system. The current lack of certified ginger seeds has led farmers to use whatever they can find, contributing to the spread of the disease.

The committee’s recommendations include:

1. Research and Development: The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) should focus on developing disease-resistant ginger varieties and sustainable farming methods.
2. Seed Certification: The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) should establish a formal seed certification system and foster public-private partnerships.
3. Farmer Training: Strengthen education and training for farmers, equipping them with modern agricultural techniques for ginger cultivation.

Two registered ginger varieties, UMUGIN 1 and UMUGIN 2, are currently in use, but the task force is calling for more research to develop new varieties. Nigerian ginger remains in high demand globally due to its high oil content and unique pungency.

Since the harvest began weeks ago, grain markets across Nigeria have experienced increased trading activities, with dealers tracking farmers even to villages to buy grains. For example, in Niger State, maize is sold at varying prices depending on its dryness, ranging from N42,000 to N48,000 per 100kg bag, while local rice is sold for N150,000 per 100kg.

Farmers in areas such as Gunu, Lapai, and Bida have been selling directly to middlemen, many of whom come from states like Sokoto, Kano, and Zamfara. These middlemen are said to create artificial scarcity by buying large quantities and reselling them at higher prices.

According to traders and farmers, the rush to buy grains is also due to fears of future price hikes, particularly as other staple food prices rise. Poultry farmers have also increased their grain purchases for feed production.

Despite some criticism, middlemen and brokers argue that they are not responsible for price hikes, insisting that the market itself dictates prices. However, some experts suggest that government intervention, such as establishing agricultural marketing boards, could help stabilize prices.

In a bid to revamp Nigeria’s livestock sector, which is valued at N33 trillion but contributes less than 3% to the GDP, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee in July 2024. The committee, co-chaired by Professor Attahiru Jega, delivered its inception report, providing strategic recommendations to address challenges in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Among the issues identified were poor breed quality, high feed costs, limited access to inputs, infrastructure deficits, and farmer-herder conflicts. Key proposals include:

1. Breed Improvement: Upgrading indigenous livestock to enhance productivity.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Improving livestock extension, veterinary services, and feed production.
3. Conflict Resolution: Strengthening mechanisms to resolve herder-farmer conflicts.
4. Pastoral Support: Establishing grazing reserves and feedlots for 1.5 million Tropical Livestock Units.
5. Mass Animal Tagging: Implementing a national tagging program to track 11.1 million animals.

The report also recommended the establishment of eight new livestock research institutes, focusing on areas like beef, dairy, poultry, and animal diseases. If fully implemented, the committee believes these reforms could modernize the sector, create jobs, and improve food security.