FG Approves N1.5bn Support Fund for Ginger Farmers Across Nigeria

Arthur Eriye

The federal government has approved a N1.5 billion support initiative for ginger farmers nationwide, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and generating economic opportunities for the youth. This announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, during a televised interview in Abuja.

He clarified that this initiative is set to directly benefit approximately 500,000 young farmers, many of whom are already involved in ginger cultivation and agribusiness activities.

He stated that this financial intervention is part of the administration’s comprehensive strategy to fortify Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, especially in crops where the nation holds a comparative advantage. Ginger, a significant export commodity for Nigeria, has received international acclaim for its quality and demand in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Nevertheless, farmers continue to face challenges such as limited access to financing, low yields, and insufficient processing infrastructure.

The newly approved fund is anticipated to bridge these gaps by offering targeted financial assistance, enhancing farmers’ access to necessary inputs, and encouraging agribusiness investments. Government officials are optimistic that, in addition to boosting production levels, this initiative will stabilize farmers’ incomes, foster rural development, and attract more youth to agriculture, particularly as the nation seeks economic diversification.

This intervention also corresponds with efforts to mitigate the effects of recent economic challenges, including rising food prices and foreign exchange issues, by promoting local production and decreasing dependency on imports.