The Kaduna government is set to develop a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) profile and soil digital mapping to boost agriculture in the state.
NAN reports that a CSA profile is an approach that integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, build resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, made this known during the grand finale of the Kaduna Agritech Bootcamp/Hackathon organised by Greysoft Technologies at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Square in Kaduna.
He added that the climate-smart agriculture profile and soil digital mapping would be developed in collaboration with Michigan State University, U.S., with support from USAID
“Agriculture is heavily influenced by climate change variability. By leveraging technology such as remote sensing, data analytics, and predictive modelling, we could have tools and solutions to help our farmers.
“Development of drought-resistant seeds, precision irrigation systems, and early warning systems for extreme weather events are innovations that will enhance productivity, minimize crop losses, and promote sustainable agriculture practices, he said.
Dabo said that the solutions developed during the bootcamp, when implemented, would contribute to the sustainable development of the agribusiness sector and guarantee food security in the nation.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Greysoft Technologies, Mr. Rafael Isah, said it was important to hold the programme due to the agrarian nature of the state.
He explained that the Agritech Bootcamp/Hackathon was an avenue where young people thought of innovative and technological solutions to the current challenges of agriculture in the state.
Isah stated that the bootcamp lasted for two weeks with 25 participants who were selected from the 300 people that registered for the programme and grouped into five teams.
He added that the focus areas of the hackathon were climate-resilient agriculture, supply chain transparency and traceability, precision agriculture solutions, market access, and financial inclusion for farmers.
“In these two weeks, they had access to mentors who guided their thought processes, and they also had access to agricultural data across different agricultural value chains to develop this project.
“They are here today to pitch their solutions to development partners, state governments and investors ; the winning team goes with 1 million Naira plus project funding by the Bank of Agriculture “, he said
NAN reports that the event was organised in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology.
Other organising partners are the Kaduna State Investment and Promotion Agency (KADIPA), BOA, Palm Valley Nigeria Limited, Agrobay, Agrolog, and Coralpay. (NAN)
