The Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, in collaboration with the Soil Values Programme, has trained Jigawa farmers on compost production and utilization to revive soil fertility.
Speaking during the farmers’ field day in Kunkuma community, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Dr. Bassam Abdulrahman explained that the initiative aims to restore soil value degraded by prolonged use of inorganic fertilizers.
He noted that inorganic fertilizers contain chemical components that gradually weaken soil fertility, stressing the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Dr Abdulrahman said, the centre with support from the Soil Values Program, trained some Lead farmers in Dutse, Jahun, Buji, Kafin Hausa, Birnin-Kudu and Kiyawa local governments, on compost production.
According to him, the program utilised demonstration farms to test the effectiveness of the compost for farmers to witness how the soil’s lost nutrients are restored, after using the assorted fertilizer.
Also speaking, a staff and trainer for compost production from the centre, Malam Mu’azu Salisu pointed out that, they have sampled a farm using four various fertilizer applications for farmers to see the high impact of compost.
In his speech, The Deputy Director, Center for Dryland Agriculture research and innovation, Bayero University Kano, Dr Mustapha Bello explained that the farmer’s filed day was conducted to showcase the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) from scratch to the farm.
He said, they have set up a demonstration farm where other forms of fertilisers were used on some section of the farm and the compost was also applied on another section.
He noted that, the aim is for the farmers to witness the difference and the development of crops planted at the same time using variety of fertilizers.
Dr Bello therefore, advised farmer to deploy the use of improved seedlings and the compost to achieve better yields.
Some of the trained farmers Bashir Bello from Warwade community in Dutse and Malam Amadu Maiunguwa Kukuma expressed delight over their new skills and pledged to advance it for better productivity.
They commended the center for choosing Kukuma community for the demonstration.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
