Kaduna to become grape farming hub in Nigeria – Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani has assured grape farmers that Kaduna state will continue to provide seedlings, mechanisation, training and support services to them in order to improve their yield per hectre.

The governor made the promise when he met members of the Grapes Producers Processor’s And Marketers Association of Nigeria (NGRAPPMAN), led by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Dalhatu at the weekend.

He pledged that Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) 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% of the country’s grapes production largely due to its favourable climatic and soil conditions.

Governor Sani thanked the association for promoting Kaduna as a major grape-producing state, assuring members of his government’s readiness to support the sector.

He said Kaduna state was on track to further increase its grapes production, potentially positioning Nigeria among the top 10 grapes-producing countries in Africa, with government’s continued support.

The governor added that Kaduna state government will create the enabling environment for their businesses to thrive, adding that grapes farming will create jobs and other businesses.

Earlier, the President of NGRAPPMAN commended the governor for his  agro-friendly policies and programmes, recognising that they have  enhanced agriculture, alleviated poverty and driven economic growth.