The once-thriving ginger farming communities in Southern Kaduna are now grappling with a crisis that has forced many farmers to abandon their fields. High seed costs, the lingering effects of a devastating fungal disease, and a lack of financial support have left the region’s renowned ginger industry in disarray.
The cost of ginger seeds has skyrocketed to an unprecedented N210,000 per bag, making it nearly impossible for farmers to resume cultivation. Compounding this challenge, a bag of fresh ginger now costs between N500,000 and N550,000, reflecting soaring demand amid dwindling supply.
Michael John, a ginger farmer from Kushe Kowi in Kagarko Local Government Area, explained how the situation has forced him to abandon ginger farming entirely. “Before the fungal pandemic, I used to harvest 350 bags of ginger annually,” he said. “But since the outbreak, I have no funds to start again. The rising cost of seeds makes it almost impossible to return to farming ginger.”
John shared how his community previously farmed yams and groundnuts but shifted focus to ginger, hoping for better profits. “We lost our capital and are now suffering,” he lamented, noting that he never received grants or loans to support his business.
The Aftermath of the 2022 Fungal Disease
The fungal disease outbreak in 2022 was a turning point for ginger farmers in Southern Kaduna. The disease wiped out billions of naira worth of crops, leaving farmers devastated. Many switched to alternative crops such as rice, beans, and maize, but the returns have not been comparable.
Mary Audu, a farmer from Godogodo in Jema’a Local Government Area, shared her struggles. “Ginger farming was my main source of income. I used to make enough to send my children to school and take care of my family, but after the fungal disease, I lost everything,” she said. “Now, I farm sweet potatoes and maize, but the returns are not the same.”
The disease not only destroyed mature crops but also rendered many seeds unsuitable for planting, leading to a scarcity of quality seeds. Farmers who managed to salvage seeds are selling them at exorbitant prices, further discouraging their colleagues.
Drastic Decline in Supply
The impact of these challenges is evident in the significant reduction in ginger supply. Babangida Abubakar, a marketer in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, highlighted the drop in production. “In the past, from November to January, we used to load over 200 trucks of ginger weekly from Southern Kaduna. But this year, we barely manage to load two trucks a week,” he said.
Another marketer, Rebecca Yakubu, added, “The scarcity of ginger has driven prices through the roof. While this is good for those who still have some to sell, it is not sustainable. If farmers continue to abandon ginger farming, we may face a total collapse of the ginger market in Southern Kaduna.”
Calls for Government Intervention
Farmers and stakeholders are calling for immediate government intervention to address the crisis. Agriculturist Yusuf Danjuma suggested establishing model farms to propagate quality ginger seeds and train farmers in disease management. “We need a practical solution. The government should create model farms within farming communities to rebuild farmers’ confidence,” he said.
Danjuma also emphasized the importance of unity among farmers, urging them to form cooperatives to advocate for their needs and pool resources.
Similarly, Shedrack Micheal, a youth leader from Kagarko Local Government, called for financial assistance. “Farmers who lost their crops should be given grants or low-interest loans to help them recover,” he said. “Without financial assistance, many farmers will remain trapped in poverty and unable to return to ginger farming.”
Also Read:
- Every Nigerian Owes ₦711,500 as National Debt Rises to ₦142.3 Trillion
- Fraudsters Hack Moniepoint System, Steal N1.1 Billion
A Wake-Up Call for Action
The decline in ginger farming has far-reaching economic and social implications for Southern Kaduna. As one of Nigeria’s major cash crops, ginger provides income for thousands of families. Its reduced production has not only led to increased poverty in local communities but also impacted Nigeria’s position in the global ginger market.
Highlighting the need for research, Alhaji Muhammad D. Kassim, chairman of the Ginger and Turmeric Marketers Association in Jema’a Local Government, said, “Experts need to invest in research to develop disease-resistant ginger varieties. Additionally, farmers must be trained on modern farming techniques and disease management.”
Looking Ahead
For farmers like Michael John and Mary Audu, the dream of returning to ginger farming feels distant. Yet, with coordinated efforts from the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, Southern Kaduna could reclaim its position as a hub for high-quality ginger production.
“The government and other stakeholders must act quickly to address this crisis,” said Micheal. “We cannot afford to lose this valuable agricultural asset.”
As ginger seed prices continue to rise, the urgency for action becomes more critical. Without intervention, the vibrant streets of Kafanchan, once bustling with ginger trade, may remain silent—a stark reminder of the industry’s collapse.