The Federal Government has launched the National Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) to address low agricultural productivity and the rising cost of production faced by farmers across Nigeria.
According to The Guardian, many farmers continue to suffer losses due to indiscriminate fertilizer application and poor soil management practices, leading to waste and reduced yields.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Abuja, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, said the new initiative aims to promote precision agriculture through tailored fertilizer recommendations based on specific crops and locations.
“The National Farmers Soil Health Scheme will help farmers achieve maximum yields, enhance income, and ensure sustainable food security,” Abdullahi stated.
As part of the program, the Federal Government plans to establish 774 soil testing laboratories across all Local Government Areas in the country. Farmers will also receive personalized soil health cards, containing details such as soil fertility status, pH levels, and fertilizer recommendations tailored to their farms.
The Minister further revealed that at least 1,200 soil samples per geopolitical zone will be collected annually under the scheme. He explained that this precision-based approach will not only boost crop productivity but also reduce input waste and lower production costs.
Abdullahi emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic step toward achieving national food security, improving farmer profitability, and promoting sustainable soil management across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
