The Kaduna State Government is to develop a climate-smart agriculture profile and soil digital mapping to boost agriculture in the state.

A CSA profile is an approach that integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, build resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, made this known during the grand finale of the Kaduna Agritech Bootcamp/ Hackathon organised by Greysoft Technologies at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua hall, Murtala Square in Kaduna.

He added that the climate-smart agriculture profile and soil digital mapping would be developed in collaboration with the Michigan State University U.S., with support from USAID.

He said, “Agriculture is heavily influenced by climate change variability. By leveraging technology such as remote sensing, data analytic and predictive modelling, we could have tools and solutions to help our farmers.

“Development of drought resistant seeds, precision irrigation systems and early warning systems for extreme weather events are innovation that will enhance productivity, minimise crop loses and promote sustainable agriculture practices.’’

He added that the solutions developed during the bootcamp when implemented, would contribute to the sustainable development of the agric sector and guarantee food security in the nation.

Earlier, the Managing Director, Greysoft Technologies, Rafael Isah said it was important to hold the programme due to the agarian nature of the state.

He explained that the agritech bootcamp/hackathon was an avenue where young people think of innovative and technological solutions to current challenges of agriculture in the state.

Mr Isah stated that the bootcamp lasted two weeks with 25 participants who were selected from the 300 people that registered for the programme and grouped into five teams.

He added that the focus areas of the hackathon were climate -resilient agriculture, supply chain transparency and traceability, precision agriculture solutions and market access and financial inclusion for farmers.

“In these two weeks they had access to mentors who guided their thought processes, they also had access to agricultural data across different agric value chains to develop this project.

“They are here today to pitch their solutions to development partners, state government and investors ; the winning team goes with one million naira plus project funding by the Bank of Agriculture,’’ he said

The event was organised in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology.

Other organising partners are the Kaduna State Investment and Promotion Agency while BOA, Palm Valley Nigeria Limited, Agrobay, Agrolog and Coralpay.

(NAN)