By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna
BTvNEWS: In a landmark move, ARATIBIOTECH Limited, a leading research and development firm specializing in agricultural and environmental biotechnologies, hosted a symposium in Kaduna on Wednesday. The event aimed to unveil innovative solutions to address the severe ginger disease outbreak and promote sustainable bioherbicide agriculture practices in Kaduna.
The symposium, themed “Biological Treatment Solutions for Ginger Disease Outbreak and Bioherbicide Agriculture,” took place at the Nigeria Air Force Base in Kaduna. The deliberation brought together scientists, environmental experts, farmers, and other stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for addressing ginger and turmeric diseases, as well as promoting bioherbicide agriculture in Kaduna State and nationwide.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has the potential to regain its position as a key driver of economic growth, not only for the country but also for the continent. Despite challenges posed by global warming, water scarcity, and limited irrigation in the Sahel region, Aratibiotech Limited is poised to provide solutions. Leveraging its expertise in agricultural and environmental biotechnologies, the company aims to address the sector’s pressing issues, including low yields, weak markets, and poor profitability.
Aratibiotech Limited has been instrumental in developing the Agricultural Growth Corridor concept, which seeks to attract investment and demonstrate a sustainable growth model, BTV News reports.
Addressing the Ginger Disease Outbreak:
The ginger disease outbreak, which affected hundreds of farmers and resulted in economic losses worth N10 billion in Southern Kaduna in 2023, has been a major concern for the agricultural sector.
ARATIBIOTECH Limited’s innovative solution, ARATI Biopesticide, offers a broad-spectrum treatment for the diseases and symptoms associated with ginger cultivation in Kaduna State.
Promoting Sustainable Bioherbicide Agriculture
the company’s products, including ARATI Baja – Liquid Biofertilizer, ARATI Biopesticide, ARATIDIN – Ginger Postharvest Management, and bioherbicides ARATI Yaranta (Post-emergence) and ARATI Korova (Pre-emergence), are designed to improve soil fertility, enhance crop yields, and reduce environmental hazards.
Expert Insights and Testimonials:
Engr. Salaudeen Majeed, Coordinator of ARATIBIOTECH Limited, emphasized the importance of partnering with local experts to address agricultural challenges. “We are global experts, known as ‘wicked solution experts’ who speak with confidence on products. We have the expertise, and we call on the government to partner with us in finding solutions to their agricultural needs.”
He further emphasized: The symposium exposed us ways and solutions to Agricultural challenges, but centered particularly on the solutions of the technological outbreak treatment on ginger and turmeric, using organic products without single chemical. Of course, this is one of its kinds in Nigeria and Africa.
As we all know the ginger production is largely produced in our market.”
Prof. M. S. AbdulSalam, one of the Scientists of ARATIBIOTECH Limited, elaborated on the essence of the gathering. “The focus and objectives of the symposium is about improving agriculture in Nigeria especially ginger farming because in 2023 there was outbreak of ginger disease in Kaduna State, which claimed a lot of ginger products, therefore ARATIBIOTECH Limited has brought about an innovation. It has produced some bioabisites and pesticides, which have a lot of advantages over the conventional artificial ones.
He added: These products are non toxic, they are environmentally friendly, they improve soil fertility, and therefore they should be encouraged.”
Mallam Abubakar Muhammad Gaafai, ably representing the Secretary General of JNI, Pro. Khalid Abubakar Ali, implored farmers and other thus: “The general public are implored to encourage these scientists and many others alike so that they will put more help and tool in order to bring more innovations in the present system and circumstances we find ourselves, so that to rid away from the utilization of toxics, poisons and whatever, and encourage them to bring more innovations scientifically that will assist us to grow more food.”
Air Commodore Tahir Isa, Imam, Nigeria Air Force Base, Kaduna, a small-scale farmer, expressed his appreciation for the event and encouraged others to adopt the innovative solutions. “This new technology, I will advise my co-farmers to key into it because of its natural content.”
Mr. Isah Raphael, ably representing the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government explicated on the importance of the symposium thus: “From my attention the focus and objectives of this symposium is basically on the use of organic system and practice to proper innovative solutions to the outbreak of ginger disease, improve soil fertility, and mitigate environmental hazards.”
An interactive session followed, where participants engaged in a Q&A session to clarify concerns and gain insights on agricultural best practices, as well as effective applications of products to boost farm productivity and yields
ARATIBIOTECH Limited is a research and development firm incorporated in Nigeria in 2008, with a laboratory in Ibadan, Oyo State. The company has established a medical organic agriculture hub in southwest Nigeria for export and is set to establish the ARATI Soil Health Academy (ASHA). ARATIBIOTECH Limited was recently awarded the 2024 ARATI AGRO Award.
BTvNEWS 
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