Kaduna State is set to become Nigeria’s grape-farming hub, with Governor Uba Sani promising to provide seedlings, mechanisation, training, and support services to grape farmers to improve their yield per hectare in the state.
The governor said the move was expected to boost grape production in the state which already accounts for 85% of Nigeria’s grape production.
Sani made the promise when he received official members of the Grapes Producers Processor And Marketers Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Dalhatu, in Kaduna on Saturday.
According to reports, the Kudan Local Government Area of the state accounts for 85% of the country’s grapes production largely due to its favourable climatic and soil conditions.
Against this backdrop, the governor expressed his appreciation for the farmers for promoting Kaduna as a major grape-producing state.
He added that with the government’s continued support, the state is expected to increase its grape production, potentially positioning Nigeria among the top 10 grape-producing countries in Africa.
Saying that the benefits of the initiative extend beyond grape farming, the Governor emphasised that grape farming would create jobs and other businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of Kaduna State.
He said, “We are committed to supporting grape farmers in Kaduna State to improve their yield and increase production. We believe that grape farming has the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods in the state.
“Kudan Local Government will not only be a grape-farming hub in the country, but Kaduna State Government will also support businesses around the value chain.
“We want to assure you that Kaduna State is on track to further increase its grapes production, potentially positioning Nigeria among the top 10 grapes-producing countries in Africa, with the government’s continued support.
“We will create the enabling environment for your businesses to thrive. Grape farming will create jobs and other businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of Kaduna State.”
The President of NGRAPPMAN, Alhaji Abdullahi Dalhatu, commended Sani for his agro-friendly policies and programmes, which have enhanced agriculture, alleviated poverty, and driven economic growth in the state.
“We appreciate the Governor’s support for grape farmers in Kaduna state.
“We believe that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of grape farmers and their families, and we look forward to working with the Governor to achieve this goal,” Dalhatu said.
