By Aminu Garko
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture is emphasizing the importance of soil testing and health cards in improving agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Ojelabi Taiwo, Special Assistant to the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, highlighted the significance of modern soil laboratories and soil health cards in enhancing farming practices.
Soil health refers to the soil’s ability to support all ecosystem members. Soil testing is essential to determine the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, which inform its health status. A soil health card is a critical tool that provides information on soil health parameters, including macro and micronutrient levels, pH balance, and organic content ¹.
The program’s objectives include equipping technicians with skills to operate modern soil laboratories, establishing such facilities across the country, and implementing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers. These initiatives aim to increase agricultural productivity and profitability while ensuring food security.
Dr. Farouk Kurawa, Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), praised the federal government’s efforts, describing the initiative as a “game-changer” for Kano’s agrarian community. Kano State is committed to supporting the initiative through farmer sensitization, capacity building, and innovative agricultural technologies.
The federal government’s program has already engaged farmers and stakeholders in discussions on soil health cards and laboratory establishment. With Kano being a key agricultural hub, the initiative is expected to significantly impact food security and economic growth. Farmers in Kano and across Nigeria are urged to adopt soil testing and health card systems to maximize productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to the nation’s agricultural sustainability.
