The state government of Bauchi has resumed its efforts to empower local farmers and increase agricultural productivity.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ilyasu Gital, revealed the revived efforts and the collaboration with OCP Africa to provide soil testing training to 40 extension staff.
Gital expressed great gratitude to OCP Africa for returning to the state to carry out its vital agricultural initiatives, stating that the development represented a major step towards the state’s soil mapping and fertiliser optimisation strategy.
He also recalled that the organisation had to withdraw from its prior operations in Bauchi due to collaborative breakdowns.
According to Gital, “Under the directive of Governor Bala Mohammed, the state government made concerted efforts to re-engage OCP Africa, recognising the value it brings to agricultural development.
“This initiative is not just about soil testing; it’s a gateway to solving broader agricultural challenges in Bauchi State.
“With this soil testing and aggregation of data from farmers’ fields, we can build an accurate soil fertility map and understand the specific needs of our soil types.
“This will guide us on the right type and quantity of fertiliser to apply, reducing waste and improving yield.”
Dr. Gital also disclosed that OCP Africa has begun work on reviving the state’s long-dilapidated fertiliser company, having visited the site twice and initiated redesign plans.
He praised the organisation for offering these interventions at North American cost to the state and described OCP Africa as an unmatched partner in Bauchi’s agricultural transformation.
Also speaking, the Business Development Officer of OCP Africa, Nigeria, Isaac Ude, emphasised the significance of the OCP School Lab project, which includes mobile soil sampling, analysis, and fertiliser recommendations tailored to specific soil needs.
According to him, the initiative aims to reach around 100 communities across all local governments in the state.
He stressed, “Our mission is to help farmers treat agriculture as a business by improving productivity through precision.
“By testing the soil, we ensure that farmers apply the right amount of fertiliser, nothing more, nothing less, thereby saving costs and boosting output.”
Noting that different crops grow in different soil types, Ude emphasised the significance of comprehending soil characteristics, including texture and nutrient composition.
“With the right combination of soil knowledge, appropriate fertiliser, and quality seeds, farmers can expect significantly better yields,” he stated.
According to Arewa PUNCH, extension workers’ training is expected to close the knowledge gap between scientific soil management and community-based farming methods, giving field agents the skills they need to assist farmers in their local communities.
Source: Punch
Image Credit: X
