By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has assured grape farmers that the state government would continue to provide seedlings, mechanisation, training and support services to them.

Sani said this would enable them to improve their yields per hectare.

The Governor made the promise on Saturday when he met the members of the Grapes Producers Processors? And Marketers? Association of Nigeria (NGRAPPMAN), led by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Dalhatu.

He pledged that Kudan Local Government Area would not only be a grape-farming hub in the country but that the state government would also support businesses around the value-chain.

According to reports, the local government area accounts for 85 per cent of the country?s grapes production largely due to its favourable climatic and soil conditions.

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

He said that the state was on track to further increase its grapes production, potentially positioning Nigeria among the top 10 grapes-producing countries in Africa.

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

Earlier, the president commended the governor for his agro-friendly policies and programmes, recognising that they have enhanced agriculture, alleviated poverty and driven economic growth. (NAN)

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