Ginger farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, are facing a significant challenge due to a fungal disease that has devastated their ginger crop. The disease, which was first reported in 2022 with a minor and without technical approached from onset has led to wider spread in 2023, has cause a substantial financial losses for local farmers, forcing many to shift from ginger to alternative crops like rice, beans, sweet potatoes and maize farming as a cash crop for survival.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ginger fungi in Kaduna State, Nigeria include wilting and browning leaves, mostly affected areas Include Kachia, Kagarko, Zango Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. The disease, also known as ginger blight, has devastated ginger farms in the state.
Impact
The fungal disease has caused a dramatic decrease in ginger supply, leading to soaring prices. Farmers are struggling to afford seeds, with local prices reaching N270,000 ($180-$200)fresh ginger while about N700,000 to N800,000 ($500-$600) of 40kg of dry bag of ginger as February 2025. The scarcity of quality seeds has exacerbated the challenges faced by farmers
Causes and Solutions
While the exact cause of the fungal disease is not yet specified, experts suggest that it may be related to changes in temperature, chemical fertilizers, insecticide and precipitation patterns. To address the crisis, Global Pan African Research & Development is carrying out scientific research of the anti-fungi in collaboration university of Jos and some scientist in India, USA and others, while the Organization is calling Development partners and country stakeholders for interventions by establishment of model farms for ginger seed propagation and distribution, as well as training for farmers on fungal disease management and organic practices for food security and enviromental sustainability.
Research and Development
Research is ongoing to identify disease-resistant ginger varieties. A field survey conducted was conducted on 24th February 2025 an identified symptoms of ginger streak mosaic virus on ginger in three major ginger-producing Local Government Areas of Kaduna State and research is ongoing.
Way Forward
To revive the ginger farming sector in Kaduna State, collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is crucial. Investment in research, financial support for affected farmers, and the provision of subsidized seeds are necessary to encourage a return to ginger farming