Nigeria unveils new fertilizer manual

Nigeria>>> has unveiled its first harmonized fertilizer recommendation manual in over a decade, a collaborative effort led by the Saudi Arabia — National Agricultural Development Fund>>> (NADF) and Farm Input Support Services>>> (FISS). The manual, presented to Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari>>>, aims to standardize fertilizer use, improve crop yields, enhance soil health, and increase fertilizer-use efficiency across the country. Initiated in April 2025, the project involved stakeholders like the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria>>>, OCP Group>>>, and the International Fertilizer Development Center>>> to develop scientifically validated recommendations. The first edition covers five strategic crops: maize, rice, wheat, cassava, and cowpea, with plans for expansion. Professor Christogonus Daudu>>>, Chairman of the Editorial Committee, noted that the guide addresses a critical information gap for farmers since the last manual in 2012, which led to poor yields and inefficient subsidy returns. The manual incorporates sustainable soil management principles, converts rates to bag equivalents for farmer-friendliness, and recommends translation into local languages and digital tools. Minister Abubakar Kyari>>> stressed the importance of balancing productivity with profitability and aligning the manual with climate-related challenges.