The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has organised the final validation workshop on the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS) to address soil degradation in Nigeria.
Speaking during the final validation workshop held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi pointed out that the primary focus of the workshop was to validate the ‘Soil Health Card’ and ensure it aligns with national policies and goals to guarantee food security.
He added that the scheme would also safeguard the environment, enhance climate resilience and contribute to overall agricultural development, noting that President Bola Tinubu prioritised food and nutrition security as part of his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, emphasising that the ministry recognises that soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Abdullahi remarked that NFSHCS signifies a shift from traditional to modern agricultural practices, stating that it represents a significant step forward in efforts to move away from indiscriminate fertiliser use, promote sustainable farming, boost productivity and create employment opportunities, particularly for youths, women and individuals with disabilities.
He emphasised that the scheme was designed to tackle soil health challenges by providing science-based insights to various stakeholders, including farmers, agro-processors, extension agents, researchers, marketers and policymakers.
Sen. Abdullahi further stated that the scheme aims to establish soil testing laboratories in the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria by setting up a Soil Information System and creating a robust database for effective planning.
He commended the efforts of development partners such as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), the World Bank, Soil Values, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), among others, for helping the scheme achieve several significant milestones.
The minister, therefore, urged the participants to actively engage in discussions and share their expertise and experiences.
In his remarks, the director of agricultural land and climate change management services, Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya expressed confidence that the validated Soil Health Card would serve as a vital instrument for fostering sustainable agricultural practices, improving soil fertility and ensuring food security in the nation.
He implored the participants to maintain their commitment to the principles of soil health and sustainable agricultural practices, adding that they should be persistent in their collaborative efforts to convert the outcomes of the workshop into concrete actions, measurable impacts, and benefits that will serve farmers, the environment and the nation.
In his presentation, the consultant for NFSHCS, Dr. Micheal Adegboye, provided insight into the progress report on the development and implementation of NFSHCS, noting that the initiative was designed to furnish each farmer with comprehensive insights into their soil’s condition, alongside tailored guidance on fertiliser usage, among other aspects.
A statement from the ministry’s director of information, signed by Mrs. Anthonia Eremah, mentioned that highlights of the event included paper presentations by development partners.
Representatives from AcreSal, GIZ, Soil Value, AGRA, SWOFON, among others, were present.
