During the 48th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria in Abuja, the federal government announced that commodity prices across the country are expected to decrease in the near future due to its efforts to enhance Food Security through innovative agricultural practices in Nigeria. With the theme, ‘Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilient Food Security System’, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, addressed the attendees and acknowledged the government’s recognition of the country’s ongoing supply crisis. The minister assured the public that every possible action is being taken to guarantee that food is accessible nationwide.
Abdullahi detailed the government’s efforts to guarantee commodity security by considering different factors. The focus is on boosting edible production in the country through a sustainable farming approach, promoting year-round farming activities. He stated that they understand the Inflation crisis across the nation completely. They acknowledge that the issue is in the reality they have encountered. Whether it’s there or not, they accept the situation. They also understand that accessibility alone is not enough; affordability is crucial.
Food scarcity presents a challenging issue for the nation.
He noted that they are already strategizing their approach in preparation for the upcoming dry season. Reflecting on past experiences, they are determined to make progress in dry-season agriculture this time. It was suggested that people with easy access to water should capitalise on the opportunity for dry-season farming. The Ministry of Agricultural Food Security is devoted to implementing every measure needed to overturn the current situation, increase output, and ensure cost-effectiveness through extensive production efforts.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the price of Irish potatoes in Plateau has significantly dropped from ₦180,000 to ₦45,000 due to increased production during the wet season. This trend is anticipated to continue in the coming years. He further pointed out that the government’s efforts to enhance farmers’ production were not only reducing crop waste but also ensuring that the commodity supply remained stable. According to him, provision scarcity during the period poses a difficult challenge for the nation.
Ministry prioritises enhancing soil health for sustainable farming.
Also, the ministry is focused on advancing the soil healthcare program for farmers as a top priority for sustainable agriculture. According to the minister, the scheme will be implemented nationwide in every 774 Local Government Areas. Enhancing Soil Health through the initiative will result in many benefits, such as boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening output security, and reducing carbon emissions. This scheme will also empower small-scale farmers by increasing their income and improving their ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
They also plan to establish soil testing laboratories at the Local Government and state levels as part of the national farmer’s soil healthcare scheme. This initiative is designed to encourage sustainable soil management and responsible fertiliser use in agriculture, ensuring the health and Productivity of the soil. The minister emphasised the importance of collaboration and combining efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative. The ultimate goal is to develop a robust and sustainable system that will positively impact all individuals, enhancing food security and agricultural productivity.
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Prof. Jibrin Jibrin, the President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, emphasised the relevance of the conference theme in light of the challenges posed by climate change. He observed that the rapidly growing population is causing soil degradation. In order to combat the issue, He emphasised the importance of preserving the soil to increase Agricultural Productivity in the nation. The nation values the soil as a vital living entity. Preserving it is essential, and the current government administration acknowledges its significance by launching various initiatives and partnering with stakeholders to advance the use of scientific methods in soil management.