By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
A group, the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) has unveiled a ginger project in Kaduna State.
It is to combat the devastating ginger pathogen infection affecting Kachia and Jaba local government areas of the state.
Patrick Katuka, Chairman of the Governing Board, announced this during the project’s launch on Thursday in Kaduna.
According to him, the project aims to raise awareness in local communities about the benefits of ‘Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)’, combat child abour and improve income opportunities.
He said that the two benefiting communities are: Fai in Jaba and Ankwa in Kachia LGAs.
Katuka explained that the southern part of Kaduna has been severely affected by ginger pathogen infections, making it necessary to diversify the income of the two ginger-growing communities.
“This initiative also considers the working conditions of children.
“We are committed to collaborating with major stakeholders and the government to ensure that farmers’ children attend school, with education as a priority.
“We also aim to provide alternative livelihood opportunities,” Katuka stated.
The chairman further revealed that CRUDAN, over the past 32 years, had reached over 5.2 million beneficiaries, with a vision to holistically transform society.
He urged ginger farmers to engage with the relevant stakeholders in the ginger value chain to access support and build their capacity.
In his opening remarks, Joseph Gyandi, Executive Director of CRUDAN, said the project was necessary to complement the government’s efforts in reviving ginger production.
He stated that the project was community-driven, with CRUDAN working closely with the farmers to devise strategies to tackle the ginger pathogen crisis.
Gagarin Madaki, Chairman of the Ginger Association of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to CRUDAN for addressing child labour within the ginger value chain.
He said that while significant efforts have been made to combat child labour, more work was needed to reduce it to the barest minimum, if not eliminate it entirely.
“I urge all the stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect our children, as they represent our future,” Madaki said.
He added that the project would sensitise families to the importance of sending their children back to school while empowering adults with alternative income opportunities.
