By Florence Adidi Abuja
Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the International Soil Reference Information Center (ISRIC) and International Institution for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has strategised to promote soil information system, enhance production, achieve food sovereignty and revolutionise the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the Nigeria Soil Information System Development Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi disclosed that the initiative would provide farmers with data based information to match crops with soil types, optimize fertilizer use, reduce production costs, and lay the foundation for precision agriculture in Nigeria.
Sen Abdullahi pointed out that ‘’Soil is the foundation of agriculture. We must take ownership of our soil and the data it produces. It’s the basis for national food security and sovereignty.”
He added that the scheme would promote location and crop-specific fertilizer blends by stimulating efficiency across the agricultural value chain and boosting private sector participation in fertilizer production.
He noted that ‘’this scheme allows experts to analyze farm soils and guide farmers on what crops to plant and what fertilizer blends to use. The result will be higher yields, lower input costs, and improved efficiency.”
He added that ‘’it is a data-driven approach that will guide investment into high-potential value chains and specific regions, providing clarity and reducing the initial exploratory risks for agri businesses
According to Sen Abdullahi the initiative aligns with Mr. President’s vision to achieve a transformed food system that guarantees food sovereignty, with the mantra: “Eat what we produce and produce what we eat.”
He revealed that “the Ministry plans to establish functional soil testing laboratories in all 774 local government areas across the country to facilitate widespread soil analysis and provide timely soil health information to farmers.”
Strengthening Nigeria soil information system
In his remarks, the Deputy Director General, Regional Hub IITA, Ibadan Dr, Bernard Vanlauwe stated that ‘’Our role is to help strengthen the Nigerian Soil Information System (NISIS) with the latest technologies and ensure consistency across West Africa.”
In her address, the project manager, Soil Information System, ISRIC, Netherlands, Dr. Chrow Krushid said that Nigeria is one of the focus countries under the West Africa hub and would benefit from technical support in developing digital soil maps to guide policy and investment decisions.
Victoria Ibanga