The Federal government has assured of its readiness to harness technology innovation so as to boost food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar stated this in Abuja yesterday at the commissioning of the Soil Testing and Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratories of the Department of Agricultural Land & Climate Change Management Service (ALCCMS).
According to the Minister, The equipment has the capacity for analysing large quantities of soil samples rapidly.
Explaining how the laboratory works, Abubakar said the soil lab also has capacity to receive soil field data real-time for processing, analyses and mapping.
He said the GIS technology with its versatility will facilitate the production of soil fertility maps for different parts of the country.
“This will provide current information on the suitability and capability of lands for the production of different crops and land use.
He stated that the GIS facility is equipped with real-time data storage, processing and mapping software.
“Its high capacity dedicated server will enable the Ministry to store, manage and take custody of all forms and categories of data that are generated by departments and agencies under the Ministry.’’
“The maps will provide information on crop and location specific types of fertiliser for blending by our blenders to enhance agricultural productivity and stop blind application of fertilisers in the country.
“This is another bold step towards sustainable production of food using modern technology by paying attention to the health of our soils.”
Furthermore, he added that the Ministry is now in a position to provide technology-driven services for effective land resources management nationwide.
He said the Federal government is committed to an agriculture led diversification of the nation’s economy.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said the laboratories are expected to expand soil analytical services in the country and bring soil testing services closer to our farming communities.
He said: “In our drive towards attaining food self-sufficiency, the facilities we are commissioning today are expected to contribute substantially in driving the process because the soil is the starting point when we talk of food security.
He added that the commissioned soil testing and GIS laboratories will facilitate the production of national soil survey and soil fertility maps for the country.
“We hope to complete the project in three years, subject to availability of resources.
“The Nigerian Soil Information Service (NISIS) will be established at the end of the nationwide detailed soil survey.”
Also, Director, Agric Land and Climate Change Services Department in the Ministry, Engr. Shehu Bello,min during his opening remarks, said the laboratories in Abuja will also service the needs of the adjoining states in the North Central Region while the other laboratories as presently situated will provide the needed soil analytical services for the South- West, south- East and North West Regions of the country.
Engr. Shehu added that the facilities will ensure that farmers have access to crop and site-specific fertilizer recommendation which are important for sustainable soil productivity.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, commissioning the Geographic Information System laboratory (GIS).