The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of using harmful chemicals for food preservation.

The rally took place at Na’ibawa Fruits, Dawanau Grains, and Yankaba Vegetable Markets in Kano metropolis.

In his address, the Kano State Director of NOA, Alh. Rabi’u Ado, emphasized that the initiative was aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting proper standards in the food business.

The Assistant Director of the Kano office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who represented State Coordinator Dr. Danladi Abba, warned traders against the use of calcium carbide and other dangerous chemicals in food preservation.

He noted that such chemicals could cause cancer and harm vital organs, assuring that NAFDAC would take strict action against offenders.

Representing the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Oliver Panyi Abraham assured the public that the agency would ensure chemicals were used only for their intended purposes, strictly following safety guidelines.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Dawanau Market Development Association, Alh. Muttaka Isa, and the Secretary of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Kano branch, Alh. Adam Mohd, pledged their support for NOA, NAFDAC, and SON in the fight against harmful practices in the state.

Meanwhile, the Health Educator of Kumbotso Local Government, Malam Nasir, urged fruit traders to uphold hygienic practices, maintain cleanliness in their environment, and avoid open defecation near the market.

The Federal Government has commenced training for laboratory technicians and technologists on the use of Soil Health Card (SHC) modules in a bid to enhance soil management practices across the country.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Kano, the Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekin, said the objective of the sensitization was to train technologists and technicians on the mode of operation of the soil health card scheme.

He noted that the training was aimed at equipping laboratory personnel with the necessary skills to assess soil health and give recommendations to farmers.

Olanipekun added that the training covered various aspects of soil health analysis, including conducting soil tests, interpreting results, and providing farmers with recommendations based on the findings.

The Director also highlighted the importance of the SHC initiative in supporting farmers with accurate soil data.

“Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture. By ensuring that laboratory technicians and technologists are well-trained on the use of SHC modules, we are taking a vital step toward improving soil quality and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the engagement with some of the stakeholders would also contribute to developing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers.

Olanipekun urged the participants to ensure the effective implementation of the SHC system, noting that it will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the long-term health of Nigeria’s agricultural land.

He urged farmers in Kano and the country as a whole to take their soil samples to laboratories in order to reduce farming cost and improve agricultural productivity.

Earlier, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa,emphasized the significance of accurate soil testing.

“Proper soil analysis and timely recommendations can greatly improve crop yields and help prevent land degradation,” he explained.

Kurawa added that the widespread adoption of the SHC program would lead to improved agricultural practices and greater food security for Nigeria.