Mr Gagarin Madaki, National President of the Ginger Association of Nigeria, has emphasised the need for organic growing as a long-term solution to the issues that ginger growers confront across the country.
He emphasised that organic farming corresponds with international best practices and provides a means to overcoming farmers’ severe losses, particularly in Kaduna State, where a fungus infection caused N10 billion in damages last year.
Speaking at a workshop in Kaduna on Ginger and Turmeric Disease Outbreak Solutions and Biotherbicide Agricultural Biotechnology, Madaki explained that after a decade of research into ginger cultivation, the association has identified organic farming as a resilient approach to combating crop diseases plaguing the industry.
This year’s testing found that organically cultivated ginger is naturally resistant to the diseases that caused last year’s disaster.
“By encouraging the organic method of farming ginger, I am very optimistic that the crop can be produced safely in line with international best practices,” Madaki told the press.
He also mentioned that the association worked with a limited number of farmers to reinstate traditional organic farming techniques, which he hopes would result in higher yields this year.
Madaki emphasised the several advantages of organic ginger growing, including increased environmental safety, higher nutritional content, and premium prices in foreign markets. He did, however, mention that many farmers were deterred from planting ginger this year after the previous season’s losses.
The association’s activities are focused on restoring trust in ginger farming and guaranteeing sustainable methods.
Professor Alimi Olasunkanmi Maruf of the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna emphasised the importance of collaborative action among ginger growers to overcome the obstacles they encounter. He advocated for less reliance on toxic pesticides and more research-based solutions to boost crop yields and soil health.
He urged the administration to fully utilise research findings to increase agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods across the country.
Similarly, Muhammed Arigbabuwo, chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, has advised stakeholders to prioritise indigenous solutions while embracing science and technology.
He advocated for programmes addressing issues in agriculture, education, renewable energy, and unemployment. He believes that revitalising industrial parks and giving microcredit loans will stimulate long-term development in agriculture and beyond.
