FG Establishes Taskforce to Combat Ginger Pest Infestations, Bolster Food Security
In response to the urgent need to address pest infestations affecting ginger production and ensure food security, the Federal Government has taken decisive action by setting up the National Ginger Epidemic Control Taskforce. This move comes in the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on Agriculture and Food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari,CON, inaugurated the task force during a recent ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja. Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, represented Sen. Kyari during the event.
Sen. Kyari highlighted the detrimental impact of pest and disease epidemics on ginger farmers in Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and Abuja. He emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing the ginger subsector and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading ginger producer.
The minister outlined several measures to support affected farmers, including investment in research and development led by the National Root Crops Research Institute and improvement of agricultural extension services. Additionally, he disclosed a provision of N1.6 Billion Naira recovery package through the National Agriculture Development Fund (NADFund) and the establishment of a 20-hectare site for clean ginger seed cultivation.
Sen. Kyari urged Nigerian farmers to refrain from importing seeds without proper clearance from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) to prevent the introduction of crop diseases into the country.
The task force, chaired by Engr Abubakar Abdullahi, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture, pledged to diligently execute its mandate. The committee is tasked with investigating the root causes of the epidemic, implementing preventive and corrective measures, and revitalizing the ginger value chain.
The establishment of the National Ginger Epidemic Control Taskforce underscores the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural sustainability and enhancing food security in Nigeria. It is anticipated that these proactive measures will not only address current challenges but also contribute to the country’s economic growth by meeting the rising demand for Nigerian ginger in the international market.
