From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Minister of State, Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi has said that the adoption of Technology based solutions will serve as a portent facilitator in enhancing soil resilience to boost food security.
He stated this at the 49th Annual Conference of Soil Science Society of Nigeria, with the theme, “Promoting Soil Health and Resilience Through Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development.”
The Minister identified Research as essential in comprehending the condition of the soil and developing strategies through various methods in addressing their challenges.
According to the Minister, enhancing soil science plays a vital role in rejuvenating the soil adding that, doing so will boost Nigeria’s food security while encouraging synergy.
Abdullahi said, “Agriculture serves as a vital source of the economy, hence it needs optimum commitment towards curtailing challenges affecting agricultural development, especially climate change and soil degradation.”
He expressed the commitment of President Tinubu in advancing Agriculture through the various renewed hope Agro initiatives to boost food security in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor Bayero University BUK Kano Professor Sangir Abbas stressed the need for synergy in order to advance the frontiers of soil Science in the country.
Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor DVC Academy Haruna Musa, Professor Abbas said the synergy will go a long way in promoting food security and sufficiency across in Nigeria.
The President Soil Science Society of Nigeria Professor Jibrin Jibrin said, the soil conference is timely when dual challenges of climate change and food insecurity is threatening the society.
He said, “soil degradation is threatening productivity and livelihoods across Nigeria. But the good news is that through innovation, evidence-based research, and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices, we can restore soil health, improve resilience, and secure the future of food in our country.”
The Chief Executive National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA Buba Marwa, Represented by Kano state NDLEA Commander Abubakar Idris in a keynote address highlighted the importance of soil health, as same soil was used in the cultivation of illicit crops such as Narcotics.
He noted that significant amount of such produce are being exported beyond the shores of the Nigeria in addition to grave environmental degradation.
To curtail such practice, Marwa stressed the need for an all inclusive alternative development initiatives by ensuring agro empowerment programs for youths and eliminating illicit cultivation of Narcotics.
The Minister was honored a long side the Borno State Governor Abba Gana Zulum by the Soil Science Society of Nigeria SSSN.
