FG acquires soil testing, geographic information laboratories

The Federal Government has acquired soil testing laboratory and geographic information system aimed at boosting food security, suitability and capability of land for the sustainable production of different crops and land use.

With this, there are four national soil laboratories located in Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan and Umudike, and each equipment has the capacity to analyse large quantities of soil samples, which will go a long way in expanding soil testing capacity.

At the commissioning in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, said the Federal Government was committed to agriculture to lead the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Abubakar also added that for agriculture to play the expected role towards achieving the objective, the soil resources must also receive special attention for sustainable agricultural production in the country.

He explained: “The GIS and soil testing laboratories are highly significant in our task of ensuring food security for the nation. These are necessary for the promotion of technology-driven agriculture which is the focus of the ministry”.

“Over the years, gaps have been created and identified in the way we manage soils, which are affecting fertiliser usage and land use planning in the country. We have determined to bridge the gaps through setting up the fourth laboratory in Abuja.”

He said the department has been in the forefront of disseminating information and carrying out projects on effective and efficient management of soil resources. The laboratories would further strengthen the capacity of the department in this respect.

Earlier, Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Services Department in the Ministry, Shehu Bello, said the laboratories in Abuja would service the needs of the adjoining states in the North Central, while others would be used in the southwest, southeast and northwest regions.

The Guardian