FG commits to prioritise soil health to enhance food security

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising soil health as a key strategy in ensuring the nation’s food security.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi made this declaration on the sidelines of the 49th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) on Tuesday at Bayero University, Kano.

The minister stated that the ministry was actively promoting the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHC) as a critical priority and key intervention for sustainable agriculture.

According to him, the NFSHC aims to encourage sustainable soil management and the appropriate use of fertilisers tailored to specific locations and crops.

“As part of the initiative, the establishment of soil testing laboratories is also planned, with an emphasis on the state and local government levels,” he said.

Sabi emphasised that the government was dedicated to allocating resources to research and development, supporting policy and institutional frameworks, fostering private sector investment, and empowering stakeholders.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting soil science research and development as a critical element of Nigeria’s agricultural and food security strategy.

He emphasised that advancing soil science was crucial for soil rejuvenation, which in turn contributes significantly to enhancing food security across the nation.

Sabi further reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to achieve food security through its agriculture mechanisation programmes.

He emphasised that food security was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.