Agriculture
NISS to distribute 1000 units of soil test kits to farmers
The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has revealed that it will distribute 1000 units of soil testing kits to farmers across the six geopolitical zones of the country for efficient fertiliser application.
The Registrar of the institute, Prof. Victor Chude, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Chude said that the measure would help manage soil resources and boost crop production and yields.
In his words, “Soil testing kit is an innovative and improved field test kit invented for soil analysis as a basis for site-specific fertiliser recommendation toward achieving food security.’’
According to him, the kit contains apparatus that can be used jointly to analyse soils and provide real-time results to farmers.
He said that fertiliser application without proper soil testing could lead to plant nutrient imbalance, pollution of groundwater, eutrophication of the surface water bodies and economic losses to the farmer.
According to him, the institute in recognition of the paramount importance of soil testing to agricultural productivity and the numerous advantages of the test kits acquired 1000 units for distribution to farmers.
Chude said that the distribution would be done on completion of the ongoing ‘train the trainer’ workshop for farmers, farmers groups or associations and extension service agents across the country on the use of the test kit.
The registrar noted that each zone would be given no fewer than 125 unit test kits, based on the number of states.
“If we succeed in building the capacities of all farmers groups in the country on soil testing, then we have succeeded in training the grassroots.
“This is because these groups will conduct step down training for their members,’’ he said.
The registrar identified optimum soil fertility as vital for maximum production of crops, especially on farms where continuous cropping was a major practice applicable in the country.
He however listed major challenges affecting crop production as soil compaction, erosion, acidity and nutrient decline.
“In Nigeria, cultivation is strongly limited by diminishing soil nutrients, especially NPK fertiliser and micronutrients and extreme soil acidity,” he stated.
According to him, this practice will further help farmers manage soil resources and boost crop production and yields.
“However, fertiliser application should never be done without proper soil testing, as soils vary in their nutrient contents, which is greatly dependent on topography, soil management practices, climate and type of cropping,’’ the registrar explained.
(NAN)
The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its
Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.
Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.
Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.
He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.
The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”
He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.
The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.
He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”
According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support
Local communities.
He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.
The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states
Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) through the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC) has commenced operations after undergoing rehabilitation and modernisation.
The refinery with 210,000 bpd refining capacity located at Alesa, Eleme, in Port Harcourt, comprises two operational units which were established in 1965 and 1989.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the old plant refines a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), while the new plant refines 150,000 bpd.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government, under former President, Muhammadu Buhari, had in March 2021 secured a 1.5 billion dollars loan to rehabilitate the facility which contract was awarded to an Italian firm, Tecnimont S.P.A, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group.
NAN) reports that Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. is leading the team to inspect the first lifting of petroleum product from the facility after its rehabilitation.
Alia appoints head of agric company, others
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (ADC).
The governor also approved the appointment of Dr Aondoakaa Asambe as Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Livestock Development and Animal Transboundary Disease Control.
The appointments were announced in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Friday.
According to the statement, the governor also appointed Mr Abraham Agogo as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Mobilisation.
The statement added that the appointments take immediate effect.
It said that Akule brings over 15 years of experience in agricultural systems, community development, research and development, and food processing.
He holds a B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and is a Certified Fellow in Agricultural Systems Development under USAID and Lagos Business School.
Meanwhile, Asambe, a member of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association and a registered veterinary surgeon with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, has been a lecturer at Federal University, Dutsima, for the past 12 years.
He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi).
He also holds a postgraduate degree in Food Animal Medicine at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Borno establishes Ministry of Livestock, Fishery Development
British High Commissioner seeks military, civilian efforts in tackling insecurity
Zulum swears in 2 new commissioners
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