Nigerian government vows to support farmers following outbreak of fungal disease

The Nigerian government has promised Ginger farmers whose farmlands and produce were recently devastated by a mysterious fungal disease in Kaduna, of the FG-funded interventions as soon as possible.

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made this assertion in response to the destructive impacts of the disease on ginger farmers in the northern part of the country.

The government’s promise of assistance came just a few weeks after over 200 Ginger farmlands and produce worth ten billion naira were destroyed in Southern Kaduna, northern Nigeria.

During a visit to the devastated farmlands in Southern Kaduna on Thursday, the Minister, who was represented by the Assistant Chief Agric Officer; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Rita Agbogo, assured of the Minister’s prompt involvement.

She explained, “We are already feeling the pains of our dear Ginger farmers, and that is why we are here on the mission damage assessment. With our visit to some of these farmlands, we have seen to what extent the damage was. We are going to recommend to the Ministry on what is the best way to help the affected farmers out of the present situation.”

Speaking on the possible reason for the fungal disease, she said, “As we speak now, we are yet to know the cause of the damage, and that is why we are here with other relevant organisations. We will do research and continue to liaise with these organisations in order to know the cause and prevent future occurrence.”