Victoria Mbangwa
Farmers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are on the brink of a transformative shift as a new partnership brings affordable, environmentally friendly agricultural solutions to their doorstep.
The collaboration between the FCT Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (FCT-SAPZ), the FCT Agricultural Development Programme (FCT-ADP), and Greenfields Contec Global Agro Limited aims to promote bio-organic farming that restores soil health and boosts crop productivity.
At the heart of the initiative are local farmers in SAPZ project communities such as the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, where demonstration plots have been established to compare conventional and organic farming outcomes. Early indicators are promising, with maize and soybean fields treated with the organic products already showing strong growth.
“A partnership has been established with a company that supplies these organic inputs, and a demonstration plot has been set up to showcase their effectiveness.” said Hajia Umma Abubakar, FCT-SAPZ Coordinator. “The demonstration Plots, which feature two major crops, i.e maize and soybeans, are established to showcase the difference between the organically produced crops and those produced in the conventional inorganic way.”
The showcased bio-organic solution, developed by Contec Agro, is the result of seven years of research across Nigeria. The product is infused with native microbes that rejuvenate the soil and eliminate the need for environmentally damaging chemical fertilisers.
“Our product is uniquely formulated as bio-organic, containing beneficial bacteria and microbes native to Nigerian soil.” said Mr. Abishaek Samuel of Greenfields Contec Global Agro Limited. “After seven years of extensive research across all states in Nigeria, we’ve identified and harnessed these microbes to create a product that enriches the soil, promotes sustainable farming, and boosts crop growth,”
To ensure widespread access, the organic products will be stocked in FCT-ADP stores, and farmers are being trained on proper application methods. This inclusive approach underscores the project’s aim to make organic farming a viable, mainstream practice in the FCT.
Dr. Omole Olateju, Head of Extension at FCT-ADP, emphasized the health and environmental benefits of the initiative. “Harmful chemicals in crop production can have long-term adverse effects on human health, and our goal is to promote safer alternatives.”
Mr. Godfrey Ugwoke, another ADP official, added that the demonstration plots are critical in gaining farmer trust. “Farmers know we only promote what works. If this product meets our standards, we believe it will gain broad acceptance.”
With food security, environmental preservation, and farmer prosperity in focus, this partnership signals a new era for agriculture in Nigeria’s capital one rooted in innovation, sustainability, and hope for the future.
