The Federal Government has unveiled a harmonised national fertiliser recommendation manual aimed at improving soil fertility management, enhancing crop productivity and supporting food security across Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative during a meeting with the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, alongside senior ministry officials and directors.
The meeting focused on the presentation of a draft publication titled “Harmonized Fertilizer Recommendations for Crops in Nigeria – Volume 1,” which is being aligned with the ministry’s ongoing soil health programme.
Kyari described the manual as a major national initiative designed to provide farmers, extension workers and agricultural stakeholders with scientifically validated and practical fertiliser recommendations tailored to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
According to the minister, the publication consolidates decades of agronomic research, field trial results and extension service experience into a single national reference document intended to guide fertiliser application and soil management practices.
He noted that the initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supports the Federal Government’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“The manual provides clear and field-oriented guidance that will help improve fertiliser use efficiency, reduce inconsistencies in agricultural advisory services and promote sustainable soil health management,” Kyari said.
The minister explained that the recommendations cover major food security crops, including Maize, Wheat, Rice, Cassava and Cowpea.
He added that the document is expected to improve crop yields while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural lands.
Kyari also commended members of the editorial committee, agricultural researchers, extension professionals, technical experts and development partners whose contributions led to the development of the manual.
He called for its nationwide adoption across extension services, research institutions, advisory platforms and agricultural input distribution networks to ensure farmers benefit from uniform and evidence-based fertiliser recommendations.
The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise agricultural practices, increase food production and build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the country’s growing food demands.
