The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has commissioned the National Soil Testing Laboratory and Geographic Information System (GIS) towards boosting food security in Nigeria. This was stated in a press release signed by Obe Mabel Mbosire on behalf of FMARD information director, and made available to journalists yesterday.
The Minister of Agric, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar in the statement said that ‘’ Federal Government is committed to an Agriculture led diversification of the nation’s economy. Therefore, for agriculture to play the expected role towards achieving this objective, the soil resources on which agriculture depends must also receive special attention for sustainable agricultural production’’
The statement went further to state that ‘’ GIS and Soil Testing Laboratories is highly significant in our task of ensuring food security for the nation. These laboratories are necessary for the promotion of technology-driven agriculture which is the focus of the Ministry as contained in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP)’’
Dr. Abubakar in the release pointed out that ‘’ Over the years, gaps have been identified in the way we manage our soils which is affecting fertilizer usage and land use planning in the country. The ministry is determined to bridge the gaps which was why the fourth National Soil Laboratory was established in Abuja’’.
He added that ‘’ the Ministry now has four National Soil laboratories in Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan and Umudike each equipped with Mid-Infrared Spectrophotometer (MIR) for dry chemistry analytical procedures. The equipment has the capacity for analyzing large quantities of soil samples rapidly. The four laboratories will go a long way in expanding our soil testing capacity p>
The Minister in the statement urged the ALCCMS department of Agricultural Land& Climate Change Management Service (ALCCMS) to embark on nationwide sensitization of farmers on the importance and benefits of soil testing in crop and livestock production added that the declining yield per hectare of farm land is attributed to declining soil fertility.
He thanked the Resource Persons from the World Agroforestry Centre (International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF)), Kenya for conducting the training due to their years of experience in soil analysis using MIR and continuous collaboration with ICRAF in the area of soil analytical services.
In the statement, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe encouraged the staff of the ALCCMS department to use the platforms provided by these laboratories to learn and acquire modern skills in soil analytical services and Geographical Information System.
He stated that ‘’the GIS facility is equipped with real-time data storage, processing and mapping software. Its high capacity dedicated server will enable the Ministry to store, manage and take custody of all forms and categories of data that are generated by departments and agencies under the Ministry.’’
The press release also quoted Director, Agric Land and Climate Change Services Department, Engr. Shehu Bello saying the laboratory in Abuja will also service the needs of the adjoining states in the North Central Region while the other laboratories as presently situated will provide the needed soil analytical services for the South- West, south- East and North West Regions of the country.
The statement had the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Nairobi, Kenya, Lead Resources person, Mr. Wullow Elvis lauded the FG for acquiring world class facilities for the soil laboratories.
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