Ginger Still Out of Reach Despite Food Price Drop

The Rising Cost of Ginger in Nigeria

Despite a general decline in the prices of grains and other food crops, the price of ginger has remained stubbornly high in the market. This situation has raised concerns among consumers, farmers, and industry experts alike. Nigeria, one of the world’s leading producers of ginger, has seen its domestic supply and export potential impacted by a series of challenges, including pest infestations and disease outbreaks.

Nigeria ranks second globally in ginger production, with an annual output ranging between 500,000 to over 800,000 metric tons. This is largely driven by small-scale farmers in Kaduna State, which contributes more than 70% of the national output. Other significant producing states include Nasarawa, Niger, Gombe, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bauchi, and various other regions across the country.

The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw a sharp decline in production due to blight, a disease that devastated crops in several parts of Kaduna. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, over 2,500 hectares of ginger crops in seven local government areas of southern Kaduna were destroyed, valued at approximately N12 billion. This loss has had a ripple effect on the entire ginger industry, affecting both farmers and consumers.

Nigeria’s ginger is exported to international markets, with notable demand coming from countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and China. However, the ongoing challenge of pest attacks has made it difficult for the industry to recover. The current scarcity of ginger has led to a surge in prices, making it increasingly unaffordable for many households.

A Growing Scarcity and High Costs

In major markets across the North, the price of dried ginger has skyrocketed. A bag that once sold for N180,000 now costs between N600,000 and N610,000. Similarly, the price of a measure (mudu) has increased from N2,700 to N28,000. These figures highlight the drastic impact of reduced supply on the market.

The price of ginger also varies depending on the type and purity of the product. While some prefer fresh ginger, most users and exporters rely on the dried variety. Alhaji Isah Garba, a seasoned trader and farmer in Kaduna, attributes the price increase to global demand and the growing recognition of ginger’s health benefits.

Garba explained that pest infestation, which began in 2023, significantly reduced ginger production, leading to a severe shortage in Nigerian markets. “Ginger farmers encountered a serious pest attack in the last three to four years; and they are yet to recover,” he said. “This has affected availability and yield.”

Alhaji Hamisu Inuwa, a merchant with decades of experience, noted that Nigerian ginger is now in high demand globally. “The demand, particularly in Europe and Asia, with the Netherlands serving as the largest importer of the Nigerian species, followed by countries like the United States, India, and China, has affected the commodity’s domestic availability and price,” he added.

Consumer Struggles and Market Adjustments

Consumers have been hit hard by the rising cost of ginger. Many report that it has become an optional ingredient in their meals. Mrs Fatima Abubakar said it is now difficult to find ginger priced below N500. “If the sellers give you N500 ginger, you would be amazed. The price is something else,” she said.

Mrs Ijeoma Ifeanyi, a food vendor, noted that the use of ginger in her dishes has declined due to its high cost. “Ginger has no alternative; it is either you use it or you forget about it,” she said. Meanwhile, Mrs Nabila Aminu, who used to incorporate ginger into her tea, cooking, and juice, lamented the loss of this essential spice. “It is not possible to spend almost N6,000 to prepare a juice,” she said.

Market traders have also noticed the shift. Malam Saidu Ahmed, a spice seller, said: “Turmeric is cheaper, garlic is cheaper, but ginger is too expensive.” Some vendors have started using alternatives, mixing juices with a little blend of ginger to reduce costs.

Government Response and Recovery Efforts

The Nigerian government has taken steps to address the crisis. Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced the establishment of the Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Task Force to combat the disease affecting farmers. Led by engineer Abubakar Abdullahi, the task force is working on long-term solutions, including supporting 5,000 farmers in Kaduna.

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has allocated N1.6 billion to support farmers affected by the blight in Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the FCT. This initiative is part of the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE) programme, aimed at revitalizing ginger production through essential inputs and training.