The Federal Government is collaborating with various stakeholders to formulate the Input Fertilizer Application Manual designed specifically for farmers in Nigeria.
The purpose of this manual is to promote accurate and responsible fertilizer use among farmers.
At the National Stakeholder Validation Workshop for the Input Fertilizer Application Manual held in Abuja on Tuesday, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), stated that the validation process was essential to ensure the manual's practicality for farmers, extension workers, and other end users in different agro-ecological zones.
Ibrahim emphasized, "Fertilizer is a key factor in enhancing productivity, but its benefits are maximized only when applied correctly and responsibly. Inconsistent or fragmented guidance compromises efficiency and endangers soil health. A standardized national manual facilitates improved yields, optimized input usage, and more sustainable farming practices."
He mentioned that the technical working group, alongside research institutions and partners, has undergone several revisions to create the draft manual. The current meeting aimed at reaching a consensus on the final technical details to ensure it meets the needs of farmers across various regions and agro- ecological environments.
Mr. Abana Waziri Abba, Director of Farm Inputs Support Services, pointed out that the harmonized fertilizer manual is vital for boosting crop productivity, enhancing farmers' profitability, and ultimately fortifying national food security.
He noted that low soil fertility significantly hampers agricultural productivity in Nigeria today.
"Using manures and fertilizers can restore soil nutrients. Fertilizer is crucial for increasing crop yields and output. However, effective crop production largely depends on the type of fertilizer selected for supplementing essential plant nutrients. There has been an ongoing debate on whether to prioritize feeding the plants or enriching the soil," he stated.
Abba also highlighted that conventional fertilizer recommendations have typically been broad and do not cater to the unique nutrient requirements of diverse soils or the economic challenges faced by farmers in different regions.
"Generalized fertilizer application guidelines can cause farmers to either over-fertilize in certain areas or under-fertilize in others, potentially leading to an improper balance of nutrients for their crops and soil," he cautioned.
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