National President of the Grape Farmers Association of Nigeria, Abdullah Ɗalhatu, has revealed that Kaduna State is the leading producer of grapes in Nigeria.
Ɗalhatu, who made this known when he led the Kudan local government council chairman, Dauda Iliya Abba, to a tour of a 5-hectare vineyard in the area, said the Kudan local government area of the State accounts for 85% of the country’s grape production.
He explained that the vineyards have produced approximately 22 metric tonnes of grapes in January alone.
According to him, “One section of the tree can produce 15 kilogrammes of grapes in its first year of production. Subsequently, this increases to 85 kilogrammes”. “A grape branch begins yielding in its first year and has a lifespan of up to 50 years. Harvests are carried out twice a year”, he explained.
“If you drop a bunch of these grapes on a table, they can last up to 45-50 days without perishing”, Ɗalhatu further said, adding that: “While grape cultivation is mostly carried outside this region, Allah has blessed us with fertile soil and favorable weather conditions in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kudan, where grape farming thrives. About 85% of the grapes cultivated in Nigeria come from this area”.
The council chairman also said the products are distributed to other regions of the country.
He praised the dedication of local farmers, describing them as trail-blazers in grape cultivation, and reiterated the commitment of Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, to supporting agricultural initiatives in the state.
“The future of farming in Kaduna State holds immense potential, paving the way for growth and development in the agricultural sector”, the chairman noted.
