Farmers need knowledge to improve soil fertility

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Proxylogics, Ross Alabo-George, has stressed the need to equip Nigerian farmers with adequate knowledge and inputs to improve soil fertility and achieve higher yields.

Alabo-George made the call in Abuja at the Soil, Climate and Agricultural Sustainability Summit (SCASS 2025), themed “Building Climate Smart and Inclusive Agricultural Systems: Aligning Policy, Practice, and Innovation.”

The summit, organised by Proxylogics, distributors of BiOWiSH in Nigeria, focused on soil degradation, fertilizer use, and climate-smart agricultural practices.He explained that discussions at the summit aimed to develop innovative pathways for sustainable soil and land use practices, while also ensuring that climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques reach smallholder farmers facing soil health challenges.According to him, the one-size-fits-all approach to fertilizer use is ineffective, stressing the importance of soil-specific fertilizer prescriptions. He added that the Federal Government’s soil health policy could provide the foundation for targeted fertilizer production and soil mapping initiatives. “The whole idea is how to get the best kind of inputs to smallholder farmers in rural areas,” he said.

 “We need to ensure they understand their soil and how to use fertilizers effectively. Agriculture is not just the business of government; it is for all of us.”

Alabo-George also highlighted the role of bio-stimulants in boosting soil health and productivity. He described them as organic products that improve nutrient absorption, repair degraded soil, and enhance compliance with climate-smart agriculture practices.

“Bio-stimulants are like probiotics for the soil. They help roots absorb nutrients better and restore damaged soil. While big farmers are already using them, the challenge is to extend access to smallholder farmers,” he said.

He urged government to not only subsidize inorganic fertilizers but also make bio-stimulants available to farmers, noting that such measures would increase yields and strengthen food security.

The summit brought together researchers, farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to chart a sustainable future for Nigeria’s agricultural systems.

Farmers need knowledge to improve soil fertility - The Nation Newspaper