Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) plans to roll out five years strategic action plan to address challenges of soil degradation and food security in the country.
Registrar of the institute, Prof. Victor Chude, and made this known to newsmen in Abjua.
Professor Chude said implementation of the action plan was aimed at addressing the challenges of soil degradation, protection of the soil, promotion of sustainable soil management which would ultimately lead to food and nutrition security in the country.
He affirmed that the Action Plan would be implemented between June 2020 and 2025 and has been categorized into five thematic areas for effective and efficient coordination and monitoring.
The Professor listed the five pillars to include the following,“Promotion of sustainable management of soil resources for soil protection, conservation and sustainable productivity; Encourage investment, technical cooperation, policy, education, awareness and extension in soil.
“Promote targeted soil research and development focusing on identified gaps, priorities and synergies with related productive, environmental and social development actions by assessing and prioritizing soil related research gaps.
“Enhance the quantity and quality of soil data and information: data collection and generation, analysis, validation, reporting, monitoring and integration with other disciplines.
“The fifth pillar is harmonization of methods, measurements and indicators for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources.”