The federal government has unveiled the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme to enhance farmers’ understanding of soil management for improved productivity, quality produce, and higher income.

Speaking at the unveiling on Tuesday in Abuja, deputy agriculture minister Aliyu Abdullahi said the scheme aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security.

Mr Abdullahi said the NFSHS is designed to promote sustainable land use, climate-smart agriculture, and regenerative farming practices.

He said the initiative would revolutionise the way farmers manage soil health by providing real-time insights into soil conditions to help them boost yields, cut costs, and adopt smarter farming methods.

“The objectives include assessing soil health status, ensuring proper fertiliser use, promoting regenerative farming, enhancing food security, and enabling data-driven insights,” he said.

According to him, the benefits of the scheme include higher crop yields, better produce quality, sustainable land use, efficient input utilisation, and informed policy decisions.

“The NFSHS provides information on what nutrients the soil has, what it lacks, and how to treat it right,” he added.

Mr Abdullahi explained that the initiative goes beyond science, as it empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge to succeed.

“When a farmer understands their soil, they can plan better, harvest better, and pass on healthier land to their children. When we care for the soil, the soil cares for us. And when farmers are informed, they can thrive,” he said.

He added the launch was “the beginning of a new season, one where every Nigerian farmer cultivates with knowledge, power, and peace of mind for a renewed hope”.

(NAN)