With Nigeria’s population rapidly growing, a shift from subsistence farming methods has become essential to meet the nation’s agricultural demands.
This message resonated at a two-day training on mechanised ginger farming for women and young farmers in Zonkwa, southern Kaduna.
The ginger industry in southern Kaduna has been facing significant challenges and just two years ago, a devastating disease hit the region’s ginger farms, drastically reducing yields.
However, government support has helped to curb the disease, though full recovery will take time.
MUST READ: President Tinubu To Attend Joint Arab-Islamic Summit In Saudi Arabia
In Zonkwa, 150 women and young farmers from eight local government areas of Southern Kaduna are gaining specialised skills in mechanised ginger farming.
The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, with support from Senator Sunday Katung, is leading this initiative to modernise ginger production across the region, equipping farmers to produce ginger more efficiently and sustainably.
Experts emphasise that while mechanisation is essential, research institutes must also contribute by developing resilient ginger varieties to improve yield and quality.
Farmers expressed optimism that with ongoing training and investment in mechanisation, Nigeria could close its ginger production gap and strengthen its position in the international ginger market.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
