Ginger farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region remain optimistic about a bumper harvest this year, despite setbacks caused by a strange disease outbreak during the previous farming season.

The outbreak, suspected to be a fungal infection, had devastated large areas of ginger farms across the district in 2023, leaving farmers disheartened. Samples of the affected plants were sent to the Pokuase Agriculture Research Centre for investigation and confirmation of the disease.

While the disease is yet to be officially confirmed, farmers in the district are hopeful for a fruitful harvest this year due to favourable rainfall patterns and conducive climate conditions. Mr. Mutakilu Tsadenu, an Assemblyman in the area, expressed optimism despite the losses suffered last season, citing the promising rainfall and conducive climate as factors for hope.

Madam Victoria Tormeti, another ginger farmer, emphasized the importance of ginger farming to their livelihoods, despite the setbacks. She urged for financial support to scale up production and prevent a possible scarcity of the commodity in the market, as many farmers may not cultivate this year due to previous losses.

Mr. Francis Agorson, a seasoned ginger farmer, plans to expand his farm this year, encouraged by the flourishing of the seedlings. However, he highlighted the challenge of acquiring seedlings due to their high cost and appealed to the government for financial assistance in the form of loans.