NIGERIAN Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has said soil resources in the country, which have been badly degraded, must stop and be reduced to the to avoid disaster.
The institute said soil resources constitute the life of any nation, which agricultural productivity, particularly food security, depends on.
A statement by President and Chairman of NISS, Professor Ayoade Oginkunle, noted that soil degradation is tantamount to human life degradation.
He spoke at a one-day meeting of the Draft National Agricultural Soil Management Policy (NASMP) in Abuja.
Oginkunle said: “Nigerian soil resources have been badly degraded and this still continues. This must stop and be reduced to the barest minimum to avoid disaster.
“Degradation is tantamount to human life degradation. Many people, including some government officials, politicians and administrators seem not to realise it.
“With NISS in place, the crucial factor remaining is a well-structured policy to handle the various problems of degradation to sustain high soil quality and food security”.
NISS Registrar Professor Victor Chude said NASMP will enhance higher productivity on farms by controlling erosion, deforestation and restore soil degradation, while fostering sustainable economic growth.
He added that it will harmonise policies across key ministries, departments and agencies to foster sustainable soil management practices.
Professor of Science, Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Development, Ademola Adenle, in his presentation, said maintaining higher soil quality in NASMP is key to increased agricultural productivity and to foster agribusiness development.
Adenle, who is the founder of Africa Sustainability Innovation Academy, said provision of accurate data and information on soil quality is important for soil management practices and agribusiness development.
He, however, noted that youth and women participation in adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) will boost agricultural productivity and engage in agribusiness.
“Soil Improvement technologies enhance agribusiness development through adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) strategies”, he said.