The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science has rolled out a five-year strategic action plan geared towards addressing the challenges of soil and accelerate increase in food production in the country.
The Action Plan which implementation is to commence June 2020 to June 2025, is categorized into five (5) Thematic Areas for effective, efficient coordination and monitoring.
According to the Registrar of the institute, Prof. Victor Chude the move is to protect the soil, promote sustainable soil management, tackle the challenges of soil degradation, and ultimately achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
The plan is as follows: To promote sustainable management of soil resources for soil protection, conservation and sustainable productivity; encourage investment, technical cooperation, policy, education, awareness and extension in the soil.
To promote targeted soil research and development focusing on identified gaps, priorities, and synergies with related productive, environmental, and social development actions by assessing and prioritizing soil-related research gaps; enhance the quantity and quality of soil data and information: data collection (generation), analysis, validation, reporting, monitoring and integration with other disciplines, harmonization of methods, measurements and indicators for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources.
Chude explained that without adequate and proper management of the soil, achieving food security in the country will remain a dream.
Also Read: DPR to enforce new N121.50 pump price in Adamawa State
He noted the need for government policies towards ending hunger and increasing food production which includes effective soil management and protection.
The institution of soil Science is the Agency saddled with the mandate of regulating the profession of soil science; as well as providing a scientific basis for enhancing and sustaining productivity of soil resources with minimal environmental degradation, especially with regards to food production in the country.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
