From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani has assured grape farmers that Kaduna State will continue to provide seedlings, mechanization, training and support services to them in order to improve their yield per hectare.
The Governor made the promise when he met members of the Grapes Producers, Processors And Marketers Association of Nigeria (NGRAPPMAN), led by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Dalhatu, at the weekend.
He pledged that Kudan Local Government Area will not only be a grape-farming hub in the country but Kaduna State Government will also support businesses around the value-chain.
According to reports, Kudan LGA accounts for 85 percent of the country’s grape production largely due to its favourable climatic and soil conditions.
Governor Uba Sani thanked the association for promoting Kaduna as a major grape-producing state, assuring members of his administration’s readiness to support the sector.
He said that Kaduna State is on track to further increase its grapes production, potentially positioning Nigeria among the top 10 grape-producing countries in Africa, with government’s continued support.
The governor added that Kaduna State Government would create the enabling environment for their business to thrive, adding that grape farming will create jobs and other allied businesses.
Earlier, the President of NGRAPPMAN commended the governor for his agro-friendly policies and programmes, recognizing that they have enhanced agriculture, alleviated poverty and driven economic growth.