The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture has pledged to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure improved soil health and sustainable agricultural production.

Beatrice Aighewi, head of station, IITA Abuja, said this on the sidelines of the launch of the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme.

NFSHS is a comprehensive soil fertility management programme designed to promote sustainable agricultural land management, climate resilience, and regenerative practices.

The initiative aims to give farmers real-time insights into their soil conditions, helping them boost yields, save costs, and farm smarter.

Ms Aighewi identified the organisation as a critical partner with the FMAFS to see how the country’s soils can be improved.

The head of operations said that the organisation is currently hosting the ECOWAS Centre for Excellence and the Soil Laboratory in Ibadan.

She said the laboratory served as a “Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel”.

Ms Aighewi said the gesture is geared towards celebrating a landmark commitment between the Nigerian government and IITA to boost soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Vincent Aduramigba, visiting scientist at the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, said the hub provides technical expertise, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen soil fertility and improve food security and resilient agriculture practices.

He said the hub was owned by ECOWAS, while IITA is responsible for providing technical coordination on behalf of all the countries in ECOWAS.

Mr Aduramigba identified IITA as a strategic partner in the soil health scheme from inception.

Speaking on how to get rural farmers to key into the NFSHS, he said the federal government is targeting the establishment of 774 soil health laboratories across the country. According to him, this will enable farmers to explore opportunities inherent in such facilities to ensure quality crops, improved yields, and sustainable livelihoods.

Also, Jubril Mohammed Jubril, president of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, identified soil as the basis of agriculture, adding that healthy soil is required for the production of both crops and livestock.

Mr Jubril said the NFSHS would assist in advising not only farmers but also fertiliser companies to produce the right type of fertilisers for the right places in Nigeria.

(NAN)