Nigeria Agritech Leader Urges Precision Farming to Raise Yields

Agritech specialist Dr Bisola Aduba called on Nigeria to adopt precision agriculture as a way to increase food production without expanding into shrinking farmland. In an interview in Abuja, she highlighted the pressures of desertification, insecurity and rapid population growth that demand higher yields from existing fields, especially in Benue State and Southern Kaduna.

Aduba explained that digital soil mapping can pinpoint acidity, organic matter and nutrient gaps, allowing fertiliser to be applied only where needed. She also promoted the use of drones equipped with multispectral sensors for early detection of crop stress, pest infestations and moisture deficits, and for spot‑spraying treatments, which cuts chemical use and protects water sources. Sensor‑guided irrigation and automated planting were cited as further ways to optimise water use and plant spacing.

The expert urged governments, extension services and development partners to expand farmers’ access to these technologies, arguing that they can boost yields, lower production costs and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders by clearly defining farm boundaries.