FG inaugurates committee to implement farmers’ soil health scheme

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has inaugurated National Executive Technical Committee on the implementation of the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS).

The NFSHCS which is administered by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aims to integrate principles of agroecology and regenerative agriculture.

While inaugurating the Committee on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Fold Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said the Committee will represent a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to prioritize soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure a food-secure future for our country.

He said the NFSHCS emphasizes the promotion of site-specific and crop-specific sustainable soil health management practices, along with the careful application of fertilizers.

“As part of the NFSHCS, the establishment of soil testing laboratories at the state and local government levels serves as a critical component.

“To the renowned members of the committee, I extend my sincerest appreciation for your dedication and expertise. Your collective efforts will be instrumental in shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that promote sustainable soil management practices”, the Minister said.

The National Executive Technical Committee (NEC) chaired by Mr. Oshadiya Olanipekun
Director,Department of Agricultural Land Climate Change Management Services and Chairman, shall be responsible for carrying forward the objectives of the scheme for project evaluation, implementation and monitoring.

The National Executive Committee shall play a crucial role in “dentifying beneficiaries (Laboratories) especially from States/local Government Areas (including private sector) in a transparent and time bound manner.

“Identifying the premises for establishment of Soil Health Laboratories. Submit the proof of basic laboratory facilities and equipment/inputs as per provisions and norms to Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) and forward the same to the Honourable Minister through the Permanent Secretary for distribution of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Water purification System to beneficiary laboratories.

“Training to the lab beneficiary will be imparted by supplier for analysis of soil and water samples using mini labs. Federal/states/LGA will provide training on sampling, registration and soil health card printing & distribution.

“Monitor and display details of approved programme, all activities undertaken and name of beneficiaries, etc. at the soil health portal, States/LGAs and prominent public place for any social audit.

“The jurisdiction of the States/LGA level soil testing laboratory project will be decide by relevant executive committees. The strategy for soil samples collection will be at 2.5 ha grid from irrigated area and 10 ha grid from rain-fed area.

“In case of cluster of villages, the State/LGA executive committees will pass a resolution for setting up of village level soil testing project in a particular village / beneficiary village.

“One percent of the samples tested by the beneficiary laboratory will be rechecked by the Nation Soil Reference Laboratory of the area or any of the Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) of the State.

“The NEC shall take the decision for the selection of beneficiary laboratory and approve it within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application(s)”, the Minister said.

Senator Allbdullahi added that the programme which is expected to span over a period of four 4 years in the first instance will have its expected activities culminated with the formal launch of the Soil Health Card Scheme by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last quarter of this year following his final approval.