The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), has partnered with the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of fertiliser, while promoting soil health to achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria.

During a bilateral meeting with IFDC senior officials at the Africa Food System Forum in Dakar, Senegal, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, explained that the collaboration would provide technical assistance for data-driven fertiliser recommendations, support local blending capacity, reduce adulteration in the input supply chain, and improve soil health.

He highlighted the need to strengthen input markets, expand last-mile delivery systems, and scale climate-smart soil fertility practices for smallholder farmers.

“The ministry introduced the Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), which represents a groundbreaking initiative”. 

“This scheme is designed to transform the agricultural landscape of Nigeria. It provides fertiliser recommendations tailored to specific crops and locations,” Kyari said.

He added, “A stronger partnership with IFDC would help improve soil health, ensure quality inputs reach farmers on time, and advance food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda in the Agriculture sector.”

The Minister emphasised that interventions should prioritise affordability, quality assurance, and timely delivery to farmers, especially in staple crop belts, while supporting the Ministry’s broader programs to raise productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve livelihoods.

In his remarks, IFDC President and CEO Henk Van Deepen stated, “The partnership will strengthen private-sector distribution networks, targeted soil testing, balanced nutrient use, farmer training on good agronomic practices, and evidence-based policies that support competitive and transparent input markets.”

The event also focused on establishing a Technical Committee to work out the detailed implementation of the collaboration.

Source: Independent News

Image Credit: The Economic Times