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FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme

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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.

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Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu

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New HJRBDA boss outlines ambitious agenda for agricultural growth, youth empowerment

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Rabiu Suleiman – Bichi, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), has pledged to deliver sweeping reforms across agriculture, water resource management, and youth empowerment.
This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bichi spoke while addressing staff of the Authority shortly after taking over on Wednesday.
” Water Resource Management, 20% boost in water-use efficiency through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and optimized irrigation systems.
” Agricultural Expansion, Increase coverage from 54,000 to 240,000 hectares, aiming to raise paddy rice production from 216,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes.
“Dam Rehabilitation, Enhance dam water retention capacity via de-silting and other remedial actions.
” Crop Yield Improvement, 30% year-on-year increase in yields through modern farming practices and improved irrigation technology.
” Community Satisfaction, Target 85% satisfaction among local stakeholders through inclusive planning and comprehensive basin management strategy.
” Youth Empowerment
The administration will focus on training at least 5,000 youths across Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi States in areas such in Modern Irrigation,Beekeeping,Horticulture,
Greenhouse,Farming,Hydroponics and Fodder Production*
He explained that the training program will cover Technical Skills, Irrigation installation and maintenance ,Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Soil conservation and crop rotation
Others are Entrepreneurship Business management and market access,Community Engagement, Cross-cultural knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
The Authority will work with:
Bank of Agriculture (BOA),
-National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NASENI and
Ministry for Livestock to support farmers and trainees.
 The new leadership also pledged support for Her Excellency Mrs. Remi Tinubu’s “Every Home a Garden” initiative.
The Managing Director outlined plans for improved staff welfare and transparent postings, anchored on merit and bureaucratic standards.
The goal is to create a supportive environment that boosts morale, increases productivity, and fosters trust among employees

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SSSN to Honor Gov. Zulum, Agric Minister at Annual Conference in Kano

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The Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) has announced plans to award the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, with membership honors at its upcoming annual conference in Kano.

 

Scheduled for Tuesday at the Bayero University New Site, the event will celebrate the outstanding contributions of both leaders to the advancement of soil science and agriculture in Nigeria.

 

Gov. Zulum is being recognized for his leadership in promoting agricultural initiatives, particularly in Borno State, while Sen. Sabi Abdullahi is being acknowledged for his national efforts to enhance soil management and promote sustainable farming practices.

 

Prof. Jibril Mohammad, President of the SSSN, made the announcement during a news conference on Monday in Kano.

 

This year’s conference holds special significance, marking the first time in 47 years that the SSSN’s annual conference will be hosted in Kano. Prof. Mohammad emphasized that the conference aims to explore strategies to improve soil science practices to enhance crop yields and reduce agricultural losses.

 

With the theme “Promoting Soil Health and Resilience Through Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the conference seeks to advance soil science and improve food security across Nigeria.

 

“This conference will focus on developing strategies that contribute to sustainable agricultural growth by promoting better soil management practices,” he said.

 

Prof. Mohammad, who also serves as the Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, noted that the SSSN is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct research and disseminate vital information on effective soil utilization and fertilizer application.

 

“The collaboration aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he added.

 

Several other prominent Nigerians will also be recognized for their contributions to soil health.

 

The conference will feature sessions on a range of sub-themes, including Land Resource Assessment and Management, Soil Health and Nutrient Management, Soil Physics and Conservation.

 

Additional sessions will cover Capacity Building and Extension, as well as Cross-Cutting Issues and Advances in Soil Science Research.

 

Stakeholders from various sectors, including researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners, have been invited to participate and present innovative solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

 

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