The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and other key stakeholders, has embarked on a partnership to implement the Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS).
This initiative is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and securing the nation’s food future. The announcement was made in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme Development and Implementation Workshop held in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted that the NFSHCS will result in reduced farming costs, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased income and profit for Nigerian farmers.
Kyari, who was represented by the Director of the Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr. Oshadiya Olanipekun, emphasized that the scheme would promote site-specific, sustainable soil health management practices and improve fertilizer application efficiency.
“Healthy soil, rich in organic matter and minerals, provides optimal support for plant growth and ensures maximum productivity,” said Kyari.
He added that maintaining healthy soil is crucial for ensuring clean air, quality water, abundant crop yields, productive grazing lands, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.
The minister also revealed that the NFSHCS would facilitate the online delivery of soil health cards to farmers through a dedicated portal, providing soil testing facilities and data based on the fertility status of Nigerian soil.
The scheme is designed to provide a single-window approach from soil sample collection to the issuance of Soil Health Cards, reducing delays and inefficiencies.
Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, added that the Soil Health Cards would include information on 12 parameters, such as macro and micronutrient levels, pH, and organic content.
Dr. Aduramigba Vincent, a representative of the Institute of Agriculture Research & Training, stated that the implementation of the scheme would lower input costs and improve the production and livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
The workshop was attended by representatives from the ministry’s development partners, including Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, among others.
