The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized the importance of soil testing and health cards as critical tools for improving agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Speaking, Ojelabi Taiwo, the Special Assistant to the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Oshadiya Olanipekun highlighted the significance of modern soil laboratories and soil health cards in enhancing farming practices across the country.
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In his address, Taiwo explained that soil health refers to the soil’s ability to support all ecosystem members, including humans, animals, crops, and microorganisms.
He stressed that soil testing is essential to determine the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, which ultimately inform its health status.
“A soil health card is like a hospital card,” Taiwo said. “Just as doctors conduct tests to determine a patient’s health, soil samples are analyzed in laboratories to assess their nutritional status. This analysis helps farmers identify deficiencies in essential nutrients and take corrective measures to enhance soil fertility.”
He further outlined the program’s objectives, which include equipping technicians with the skills to operate modern soil laboratories, establishing such facilities across the country, and implementing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers. Taiwo emphasized that these initiatives aim to increase agricultural productivity and profitability while ensuring food security.
Taiwo also underscored the importance of soil analysis in reducing farming costs and eliminating the use of inappropriate fertilizers. “The era of blindly applying fertilizers is over. Farmers must first collect soil samples and analyze them to understand their soil’s specific needs. This approach will boost productivity and reduce the procurement of unnecessary inputs,” he stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Farouk Kurawa, Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), praised the federal government’s efforts to introduce soil health initiatives. Speaking on the sidelines of the program, Kurawa described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Kano’s agrarian community.
“For a long time, farmers and fertilizer manufacturers have relied on conventional methods without considering soil requirements,” Kurawa said. “This initiative will ensure that fertilizers and farming practices are tailored to the specific needs of the soil and crops, considering the diverse topography and soil combinations across the state.”
Kurawa emphasized Kano State’s commitment to supporting the initiative through farmer sensitization, capacity building, and the introduction of innovative agricultural technologies.
“This program aligns with our mandate to enhance farmers’ productivity. We will continue to advocate for the adoption of soil health practices to ensure sustainable agriculture in Kano,” he added.
The federal government’s program, which has already engaged farmers and stakeholders in discussions on soil health cards and laboratory establishment, aims to revolutionize farming practices.
With Kano being a key agricultural hub, the initiative is expected to have a significant impact on food security and economic growth.
Farmers in Kano and across Nigeria are urged to embrace soil testing and health card systems to maximize productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to the nation’s agricultural sustainability.
