FG trains laboratory technologists, technicians on quality farm inputs

As part of efforts to ensure that Nigerian farmers have access to high quality inputs, the federal government through the Farm Inputs Support Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is training the laboratory technologists and technicians on harmonised methods of fertiliser analysis to boost agricultural production and food security.

Speaking at the two-day workshop in Kaduna, the director, Farm Inputs Support Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Engr. Badamosi Jatto, said the aim was to equip the laboratory technicians with the requisite tools and procedures for an enhanced and harmonised method of analysing, sampling and quality assessment of fertiliser.

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Engr Jatto said technicians would be acquainted with overview of fertility status of Nigerian soils, fertiliser analytical methods and determination of elements of fertiliser, determination of micro and secondary nutrients in addition to procedures of liquid fertiliser and organic sample analysis among others.

His words: “At the end, they would also have the knowledge of fertiliser concept and types as well as quality check parameters, fertiliser handling and storage.

He expressed confidence that at the end of the workshop participants would have the need skills and the required competence to fully perform their duties regarding the implementation of the fertiliser law regulations in order to tackle challenges such as nutrient deficiencies, willful adulterations, fake, misbranded and underweight.

“This is very crucial as government is to assume the role of a facilitator of production and procurement, regulator of fertiliser quality as well as catalyst for active private sector participation in the fertiliser value chain leading full liberalization of the fertiliser industry”, he added.