Soil Health Cards to Empower Nigerian Farmers

By Milcah Tanimu

Farmers in Nigeria are set to receive soil health cards in a groundbreaking initiative by the Federal Government, according to Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security. This initiative aims to assess soil health and provide tailored recommendations to enhance soil fertility and productivity.

Speaking at the Multi-stakeholders Platform on Feed and Fodder (MSP) forum in Abuja, Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the importance of the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme in offering vital information to farmers regarding their soil’s nutrient status and the appropriate dosage of nutrients for optimal health and fertility.

Following his participation in the African Soil Health and Fertility event in Kenya, Dr. Abdullahi stressed the critical role of soil health cards in reducing production costs, increasing agricultural yields, and ultimately boosting farmers’ incomes.

The implementation of the SHC scheme will commence with soil sampling, testing, and the generation of soil health cards. Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the government’s heightened focus on soil health across agricultural areas to enhance productivity and prosperity, with soil testing becoming a regular practice.

Dr. Sarah Osiya, the Project Lead for Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS), echoed the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in enhancing national food security. She advocated for the adoption of the MSP to promote feed and fodder, thereby bolstering local livestock production and improving the food value chain.

Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural reforms during the launch of the ‘Soil Values’ initiative. He emphasized the urgency of addressing land degradation, erosion, and drought, particularly in the Sahel region, underscoring Nigeria’s participation in the programme and its benefits for farmers nationwide.

The government’s dedication to supporting the effective and sustainable implementation of the Soil Values programme reflects its commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring food security across the nation.