Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), shared these plans during a stakeholders' workshop in Abuja, where experts gathered to review the newly drafted Harmonized Fertilizer Manual. Ibrahim emphasized that fertilizers, though critical for farming, only deliver optimal results when used correctly.
"Fertilizers drive productivity, but their benefits are lost without proper application," he noted. "Inconsistent advice leads to wasted resources, damaged soil, and lower harvests. This manual will help farmers achieve higher yields, use inputs wisely, and adopt sustainable methods."
The initiative aligns with NADF’s broader goal of supporting agriculture through research-backed policies and partnerships. Ibrahim stressed the importance of translating the manual into practical, on-field actions, urging participants to contribute actionable ideas for nationwide implementation.
Abba Abana, Director of the Farm Inputs Support Services Department at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted how the manual tackles "hidden hunger"—micronutrient deficiencies in crops due to poor soil health. "Healthy soil grows nutritious food, which directly impacts human health," he explained. "This isn’t just about food security; it’s about ensuring what we grow nourishes the population."
The workshop focused on refining the manual to provide precise, science-based fertilizer recommendations tailored to local conditions. "We’re shifting from guesswork to data-driven practices," Abana added. "Farmers will know exactly what their soil needs, reducing waste and environmental harm while maximizing output."
With the manual’s validation underway, the next phase involves training extension workers and farmers to adopt these standards, ensuring the policy translates into tangible improvements for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
