An organic fruit and vegetable market has been launched in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
The market, called Gidan Gona Hub (Jos Organic Farmers Market), sells only organic agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other items, that are grown organically and devoid of artificial additives, chemicals, fertilisers, and preservatives.
A Global Innovation Lab for Equality(AGILE) supports the Oxfam-sponsored project in partnership with Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Community Development Panyam (CCDP) and Urban Food Crews in Jos North and Jos South LGA.
Yusuf Pamancha, the chairman of the Urban Food Crews Network Plateau State, stated during the market’s opening ceremony and launch that organic food items benefit the body.
According to him, the market is an innovative concept born in Jos (Little Rayfield) and with hubs at Kuru, Kwang, and Yan Trailer, and it must be extended to the local government areas.
The chairperson also stated that the initiative is expected to change the narrative on the way and manner people produce their crops, the way and manner they consume them, and the way and manner people in the production are appreciated.
On the other hand, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jos, Prof. Patrick Kwaghe, mentioned that Nigeria is the leading exporter of agricultural products in West Africa, but an embargo was put on some of the nation’s products a few years back.
According to him, the embargo was because when those agricultural products were exported, they tested them and found that excessive chemicals were used in producing the produce, which caused the country to lose its share in the international market.
“So any initiative that uses organic methods in agricultural production is a welcome idea. And once some of those countries that banned Nigerian agricultural produce discover that the country is no longer using much chemicals (whether herbicides, fertilisers, and what have you) in our agricultural produce again, they will then lift the ban, and doors will be opened for us again to export our produce. That will boost our foreign exchange,” he said.
Speaking on the Urban Food Hive (UFH) Project, Peggy Maimaji, Project Manager at OXFAM, explained that the initiative is transforming urban agriculture into a viable and sustainable livelihood by equipping farmers with agroecological and organic farming practices. These practices promote circular economies through simple techniques such as converting organic waste into compost.
“Through UFH, we’ve already empowered 1,800 households, established four Urban Farming Crews (UFCs), and helped farmers generate an average net profit of ₦411,400.00 by cultivating a variety of crops,” she stated.
Highlighting the project’s next phase, Maimaji announced the official opening of the Gidan Gona Hub, describing it as a bold step toward reshaping agriculture in Plateau State.
“With the launch of the Gidan Gona Hub, we’re enabling a future where smallholder farmers are no longer dependent on middlemen. This hub provides direct market access, helping farmers earn the full value of their produce while connecting them more directly with buyers,” she added.
In his remark, Samson Ishaku Bugama, the Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, mentioned that the state government has been creating enabling environments for agriculture, production, agribusiness, etc.
He clarified that food security and sufficiency will be guaranteed if people grow, and if there is no food on the land, there will be hunger and social unrest.
Source: Authority
