By George George Idowu
Technology has emerged as a transformative force in many industries, breathing new life into sectors that were once considered stagnant. Nigeria’s agricultural sector is witnessing a revival driven by innovative technological practices.
Among these innovations, the soil-less technology system of farming, also known as hydroponics and precision agriculture, stands out as a revolutionary approach that promises to reshape the future of farming in the country.
Hydroponics, or soil-less farming, is a groundbreaking method that allows plants to grow without traditional soil. Instead, the roots of the plants are immersed in a nutrient solution that provides all the essential elements for their growth. This method offers several advantages over conventional farming, particularly in regions with poor soil quality or water scarcity.
One of the leading figures in advancing hydroponics in Nigeria is Mr Ogbole Samson, the Team Lead for Eupepsia Place Limited (Soilless Farm Lab); said the approach to soil-less farming addresses critical challenges such as soil depletion and climate unpredictability, enabling farmers to produce crops year-round.
By utilising greenhouses and drip irrigation systems, Samson has demonstrated that high yields can be achieved with minimal land and water resources. This scalable solution is essential for Nigeria, where environmental and resource constraints often hamper agricultural productivity.
Another innovative approach to transforming Nigerian agriculture is precision farming, championed by Mr. Femi Adekoya, the Managing Director and Founder of Integrated Ariel Precision.
Precision agriculture involves using technology to monitor and manage the variability in crop production to enhance sustainability.
Adekoya has adopted the use of drones in farming. These devices provide farmers with real-time data on soil health, crop conditions, and environmental factors. This data-driven approach allows for precise application of inputs such as water and fertilizers, thereby reducing waste and optimizing resource use.
“Drones provide farmers with real-time data on soil health, crop conditions, and environmental factors, enabling precise input application and efficient resource management,” Adekoya explains.
“This data-driven approach reduces waste, increases yields, and makes farming a more attractive and profitable venture.”
Technology is also making waves in aquaculture. Steve Okeleji, the founder of Aquatic Hub Afrique Network, has utilised technology to overcome challenges such as high operational costs and environmental risks.
From starting with wooden boxes to pioneering cage farming in Nigeria, Okeleji’s journey illustrates how continuous technological innovation can lead to success in agriculture.
Okeleji is a strong advocate for supporting local agriculture over imports.
He argues that relying on imported food undermines the efforts of local farmers and hampers the growth of the domestic agricultural sector.
“Instead of relying on imports, the government should focus on supporting local farmers to boost domestic food production,” he asserts.
“They should encourage young people to join the farming sector to help feed the current and future generations and take advantage of opportunities in agriculture.”
The integration of technology into agriculture is not solely about improving yields and profitability; it is also about transforming perceptions.
In Nigeria, farming is often viewed as a labour-intensive, low-status profession, especially among the youth. However, innovators like Samson, Adekoya, and Okeleji are demonstrating that modern agriculture can be dynamic, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Using high-tech tools such as drones, automated systems, and data analytics is shifting farming from a traditional, manual task to a sophisticated industry. This technological shift makes agriculture more appealing to young people and equipping them with the skills to drive further innovation. Engaging the youth in agriculture is crucial for Nigeria’s food security and economic future.
With the population projected to exceed 300 million in the coming decades, the demand for food will only increase. It is essential to equip a new generation of farmers with the latest technologies to meet this demand and reduce dependence on food imports.
Innovators like Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, and Steve Okeleji are at the forefront of a technological revolution in Nigerian agriculture. Their efforts prove that farmers can unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential with the right tools and mindset.
By adopting cutting-edge technologies such as hydroponics and precision farming, they are enhancing productivity and sustainability and inspiring a new generation to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
As technology continues to evolve, it promises to transform Nigerian agriculture, ensure food security, and foster economic growth for years to come.