Connect with us

Agriculture

FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme

Published

on

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.

About The Author

Agriculture

Food Safety: NOA, NAFDAC, SON Collaborate in Kano to Combat Hazardous Chemicals in Food

Published

on

By

 

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.

 

About The Author

Continue Reading

Agriculture

FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on Soil Health Card Modules

Published

on

By

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.
Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent expressed their appreciation for the training, with many highlighting its practical relevance to their daily work.(

About The Author

Continue Reading

Agriculture

Gov. Yusuf decries low productivity, post-harvest losses in agric sector

Published

on

By

 

Gov. Abba Kabir -Yusuf of Kano State has expressed concern over the low productivity and post-harvest losses affecting the state’s agricultural sector, stressing that these challenges are hindering its growth.

He also highlighted limited market access and inadequate financial services as additional factors stifling the sector’s potential.

The governor made the comments on Monday at the opening of a two-day bi-annual review meeting on the Implementation of Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria, which focused on the Northwest and Northeast zones, and was held in Kano.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi, Yusuf emphasized that Kano is proud to be one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs, with farming serving as the backbone of its economy.

“Our farmers work tirelessly to ensure food security, and agriculture provides livelihoods for more than 60 percent of our population. However, we recognize the numerous challenges the sector faces, from low productivity and post-harvest losses to limited market access and lack of financial services,” he said.

“These challenges not only hinder the growth of our agricultural sector but also limit the potential of our farmers, particularly smallholders. This is why the National Food System Transformation Pathways Project is so critical and timely,” he added.

Yusuf further noted that the project addresses key issues confronting farmers, focusing on capacity building in emerging farming techniques, improving market access, enhancing resilience to climate risks, and promoting better food preparation practices.

“The National Food System Transformation Pathways equips our farmers with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment,” Yusuf said.

Earlier, the Northwest Coordinator of the project, Hajiya Lauratu Ado Diso, explained that the Northwest and Northeast zones are grappling with insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, making farming activities nearly impossible in some areas.

“These zones are among the most vulnerable in terms of malnutrition and hunger,” Diso said. “We must intensify efforts to eradicate this menace and transform the situation into a positive one. This can only be achieved through the effective implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways, supported by collaboration and coordination.”

Diso, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Budget and Planning, urged stakeholders to work together to improve the agricultural sector and combat the security challenges facing the regions.

 

About The Author

Continue Reading

Trending

Share This