Organic farming set to boost productivity in Nigerian agric sector
Professor Ishaiku Yoi’la of Ahmadu Bello University speaking at the launch of ALFA Life Liquid Organic Fertilizer stated that the application of organic fertilizers increases crop yields by up to 185 percent as well as reduces the cost of fertilizer up to 70 percent.
Nigeria and Africa at large currently imports several Million tons of inorganic (chemical) fertilizers for distribution and sales to local farmers.
Though chemical fertilizers increase crop production; some stakeholders say their overuse has hardened the soil, decreased fertility, strengthened pesticides, polluted air and water, and released greenhouse gases, thereby bringing hazards to human health and environment as well.
In an interview with Noel Keyen, CEO of prime home limited and major distributor of ALFA life organic fertilizers for the north, he gave information based on a series of test conducted on food and cash crops in various states in Nigeria in collaboration with the agric research institute of Nigeria, he pointed out that “chemical fertilizers are able to produce 2-3 tons per hectare, meanwhile inorganic fertilizers produce 8-10 tons per hectare.”
Keyen further commented that for diversification of the economy, Nigeria needs to consider not just the quantity but also the quality of agricultural products; in other to attain sustainable food security domestically and earn foreign exchange, he also explained that the cost of fertilizers and production will drop with growing interest by investors and government in domesticating fertilizer production.
The process has already begun and commercial quantities of rock phosphate can be found abundantly in states like Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun axis which can contribute to the domestic production of organic fertilizers.
Organic farming aims at improving soil fertility by providing an ideal soil system and environment for plant growth; it enhances the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil and therefore builds up the soil health.
The major aim of investing in organic farming is to enhance long term sustainability for agriculture in Nigeria.
The world health organizations have recommended organic fertilizers as a replacement for chemical fertilizers.
Prof. Peter Nnabude of Nnamdi Azikwe University also called on farmers to take advantage of the fertilizer as it is much safer to use, after tests conducted in the university laboratory. He explained that it has no adverse effect o the soil and it is not toxic to crops.
MARTINS NOEL