Ginger farmers in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria have expressed concern over their ability to participate in the 2025 planting season due to a lack of quality seedlings and other critical inputs. The farmers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, urged the government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action.
The challenges stem from a devastating fungal disease that severely impacted ginger farms in 2023, resulting in significant losses. The Federal Government has since estimated those losses at over ₦12 billion (approximately $8 million) as of 2024, with many farmers still struggling to recover.
Mr. Philip Akuso, a ginger farmer in Bwari, described the prospect of a successful harvest this year as uncertain—a 50-50 chance—due to the continued scarcity of healthy seedlings. He noted that the disease from the previous season had left many farmers without viable planting material, reducing yields and limiting supply.
"Since the 2023 incident, there has been a scarcity of ginger in the market, and prices have skyrocketed," Akuso said. "As of December 2024, a bag of ginger was sold for ₦350,000 (around $235), but earlier this year it ranged between ₦650,000 and ₦800,000 (roughly $435 to $535). It has now come down slightly to about ₦700,000 ($470)."
Akuso also pointed to financial constraints and insecurity as major obstacles for farmers. While some have been able to obtain seedlings from neighbouring areas such as Kachia and Jaba in Southern Kaduna, many cannot afford to do so. He added that only wealthier individuals can afford to enter ginger production under current conditions.
"Very few of us in Bwari were successful with production last year and are willing to try again. Others are still recovering from their losses and are afraid to take the risk," he said. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful for a better outcome in 2025.
Another farmer, Mr. Somo Yakubu, shared a similar experience. He managed to save two bags from his 2024 harvest to use for the upcoming season. He explained that farmers in Kawu-Bwari were somewhat fortunate last year, as the disease struck late, allowing most of the crop to mature before being affected.
"There was no remedy; it was just the grace of God," Yakubu said. "It's a risk we must take—maybe we'll get lucky again this year."
Yakubu also highlighted the threat of insecurity, particularly the fear of kidnapping, which may prevent many farmers from returning to their fields. Both farmers appealed for urgent intervention to address the seedling shortage and improve security for agricultural communities.
Source: NAN News
Source: Nairametrics