FG, IFDC collaborate to improve Fertilizer availability, enhance soil health
In a bid to accelerate agricultural development and achieve food sovereignty, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has partnered with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to develop strategies that ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of fertilizers, improve soil health, and ultimately achieve food as well as nutrition security in Nigeria.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Senior Officials of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) as part of events at the Africa Food System Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the collaboration would ensure technical assistance for data-driven fertilizer recommendations, support for local blending capacity, curb adulteration in the input supply chain, and also improve soil health, among others.
The Minister highlighted the need to strengthen input markets, expand last-mile delivery systems, and scale climate-smart soil fertility practices for smallholder farmers.
He stated that the groundbreaking initiative –
Nigeria Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), recently introduced by the Ministry
aims to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, providing fertilizer recommendations tailored to specific crops and locations.
According to Kyari, “a stronger partnership with IFDC will help improve soil health, ensure that quality inputs reach farmers on time, and advance food security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda in the Agriculture sector.”
The Minister therefore called for interventions that prioritize affordability, quality assurance, and timely delivery to farmers, especially in staple crop belts, while aligning with the Ministry’s broader programs to raise productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve livelihoods.
In his remarks, the President /Chief Executive Officer, IFDC, Henk Van Deepen stated that ‘’the partnership will strengthen private-sector distribution networks, targeted soil testing, balanced nutrient use, farmer training on good agronomic practices, and evidence-based policies that support competitive and transparent input markets’’.
According to the Head of the Ministry’s Information Department, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, a key takeaway from the event was the agreement to set up a Technical Committee that will iron out the details of the partnership,
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