The National President of the Grape Farmers Association of Nigeria, Abdullah Dalhatu, has revealed that Kaduna State is the leading producer of grapes in Nigeria.
He said the Kudan Local Government Area of the state accounts for 85% of the country’s grape production.
Mr Dalhatu made this known when he led the Kudan council chairman, Dauda Iliya Abba, to a tour of a 5-hectare vineyard in the area.
Mr Dalhatu explained that the vineyards have produced approximately 22 metric tonnes of grapes in January alone.
“One section of the tree can produce 15 kilograms of grapes in its first year of production. Subsequently, this increases to 85 kilograms. 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,” Mr Dalhatu explained.
“If you drop a bunch of these grapes on a table, they can last up to 45-50 days without perishing”, he added.
He added 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,” he added.
He said the products are distributed to other regions of the country.
The chairman of Kudan Local Government Area, Dauda Iliya Abba, praised the dedication of local farmers, describing them as trailblazers in grape cultivation.
He 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.
