Nigeria among top five ginger exporting nations

Demand for  spices and herbs is ever  increasing globally especially in the  Asian countries of  China and India  the  traditionally European  suppliers  are  themselves becoming spices importers because  the  domestic supply cannot  meet  domestic demand.

Nigeria is among the top five nations that  export  ginger  others are  China, India,   Jamaica  and Serra Leone while the  major markets  are UK, USA, Japan, Canada, Germany, Belgium and  Middle East.

European markets are looking for higher quality products now more than  ever.
Data from  Nigeria  Ministry of Agriculture and  Rural Development put the   demand  at  65MMT while  production was put at 31MMT.

Nigeria is endowed with enomourse capacity in the crop production  for local and  export purposes given the enabling  atmosphere of peace and stability.

QUALITY   Challenges;-   In accessing the major  markets the  quality standards has to be met such as  Conformity  Assessment Standards (CAS) which is based on  Organic Production  Standard, and  Global  Good  Agricultural  Practices (GAP).certification.

Back  home in Nigeria, Ginger obtain  from  Kaduna is of higher quality  compared to others from  other  African countries. Among the  dominant communities producing high quality ginger are  Jaba,  Kagarko and  Kachia  Local  Government  Areas  with  favourable soil as well as good  climatic conditions.

Towards this, a complete  agricultural revolution by Kaduna  state Goverment coupled with  relative peaceful  coexistence will not only boost the  state  revenue but  national  economy.

The  role of R&D cannot be over emphasised in achieving a quality and  healthier crop.  Equipping farmers with  the  right  skills that will  give them  knowledge and confidence that  will  conform them to higher   quality  standards.

Right skills in Processing Technology  especially  drying  conditions and  equipment. On milling, Increasing the  surface area or size reduction  of the dried ginger to complement the  fortification  for  blending purposes.

The producers are also packaging to meet the international  standards ensuring adequate  concealment of the essential oils  flavour. Powdered ginger  is  utilised in the  production of variety of  recipes as Cakes,  Cookies,  Bread, Crackers, Beverages  (alcoholic and non alcoholic ), Herbal preparation,   Ale & Beer. Nigerians and  others  dishes  are rich in  exotic spices of  ginger.

During the  Marketing Board  era, Ginger  was   under the  Groundnut  marketing  Board  and   controlling the activities then  was wholesome  ,the  era should be  revisited with  minor  updates  to meet the  present  realities

Same for other Spices  Cloves, Herbs, Resins  secretion of trees  etc. Massive /Aggressive commercial organic agricultural production of Ginger and others must be  embraced.

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