Key information
- Organic farming is a resilient strategy to combat crop diseases affecting Nigeria's ginger industry.
- Promoting organic farming practices will ensure safe and high-quality ginger production in line with international standards, and strengthen environmental safety, improve nutritional content and increase prices in foreign markets.
- Prioritizing research-based solutions, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides, and revitalizing industrial parks can boost long-term development in various sectors, including agriculture.
Madaki, president of the Ginger Association of Nigeria, points out that after years of research on ginger cultivation, the association identified organic farming as a resilient strategy to combat crop diseases that affect the industry. He points out that this year's results demonstrate the natural disease resistance of organically grown ginger compared to conventionally grown varieties. Madaki says he is optimistic that promoting organic farming practices will ensure safe and high-quality ginger production that meets international standards.
Reintroduction of traditional techniques
The association is actively working with farmers to reintroduce traditional organic farming techniques, with the aim of increasing yields this year. Mr. Madaki highlights several advantages of organic ginger cultivation, including greater environmental safety, better nutritional content and higher prices in foreign markets. He acknowledges, however, that many farmers are still hesitant to plant ginger due to the considerable losses suffered last year.
Action collective
Professor Alimi Olasunkanmi Maruf, from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, highlights the importance of collective action among ginger farmers to overcome common challenges. He advocates reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and prioritizing research-based solutions to improve crop yields and soil health.
Indigenous knowledge and economic growth
Muhammed Arigbabuwo, Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Obas and Traditional Rulers of the 19 Northern States and Abuja, suggests prioritizing indigenous knowledge while embracing scientific advancements. He advocates for comprehensive programs covering agriculture, education, renewable energies and unemployment. Mr. Arigbabuwo believes that the revitalization of industrial parks and the provision of microcredits will boost the long-term development of various sectors, including agriculture.
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