Project Overview:
The Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE) initiative is a strategic investment poised to revitalize the ginger farming sector in Nigeria. Through the funding of N1.6 billion, GRATE will support ginger farmers affected by the recent epidemic impacting crucial crops in Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Project Objectives:
- To provide immediate recovery assistance to 15,000 ginger farmers impacted by the ginger blight epidemic.
- To introduce high-yield seed varieties and essential farming inputs to bolster productivity and safeguard against future crop challenges.
- To align with the significant uptick in Nigeria's ginger export revenues, ensuring sustainable growth for the agriculture export economy.
Components of the GRATE Package: Every eligible ginger farmer under the GRATE initiative will receive a meticulously curated input pack, designed to address both immediate and long-term agricultural needs:
- 1 pc 20kg bag of high-yield ginger seed variety
- 4 pcs 50kg bags of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer
- 2 pcs 50kg bags of urea fertilizer
- 2 pcs 1kg bags of advanced fungicide
- 1 pc 1ltr bottle of potent insecticide
- 2 pcs 1-litre bottles of herbicide
- 1 pc 2 litre bottle of post-emergence herbicide
These input packs provide comprehensive care for ginger crops, from planting to harvest, addressing soil health, pest control, and weed management.
Economic Impact: As highlighted by the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS), ginger exports have surged forward, bringing in a revenue of N10 billion in the second quarter of 2023, a leap from N4.6 billion the previous year. GRATE aims to keep this momentum going, cementing the position of ginger as a key contributor to Nigeria's agricultural export market and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Government Engagement: With endorsement from the presidency, as noted by Marian Moon, the Technical Assistant on Agriculture from the Office of the Vice President, the GRATE initiative is a pivotal aspect of the government's renewed focus on agriculture. This approach spotlights ginger farming as a valuable segment within the broader agriculture sector intended for robust support and development.
The NADF, with its commitment to the GRATE initiative, envisions a swift and empowering response for rural communities reliant on ginger farming, ultimately aiming to see the industry thrive once again in local markets and beyond national borders. The transformative impact of GRATE will be measured not only in economic terms but also in the revitalization of community livelihoods and the strengthening of the nation's agricultural backbone.