Bomba Dauda
The Ginger Seed Training Centre in Sub-Zuro, Kwoi, Jaba Local Government Area, has been officially handed over to the community, stakeholders, and partners in the ginger value chain.
The facility is part of the Empowering Resilient Ginger Farmers (ERGF) project implemented by Mercy Corps, designed to enhance ginger seed security, strengthen the value chain, and promote sustainable economic growth
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung, his representative, Dr. Barak Zebedee reaffirmed the lawmaker’s strong commitment to supporting agriculture—particularly ginger production—describing the crop as “our crude oil now.”
The Senator’s advocacy for ginger farmers dates back to 2023, when he raised the devastating impact of a blight that ravaged farms in the zone on the floor of the Senate. His intervention contributed to the Federal Government’s release of ₦1.6 billion to the Kaduna State Government to assist affected farmers. Through the Ginger Recovery Advancement Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GATE) initiative, about 5,000 farmers benefited from the funds.
The Senator’s representative cautioned that the ginger industry still faces serious threats from diseases and could be at risk of extinction without urgent intervention. He assured stakeholders of the Senator’s readiness to partner with communities, researchers, and the private sector to replicate ginger seed multiplication centres in other producing areas, ensuring farmers have access to quality seedlings.
The event drew representatives from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), the National Ginger Farmers Association, Jaba and Kwoi Local Government councils, private sector players, and members of the host community.
