National Agricultural Development Fund Releases New Fertilizer Manual
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has introduced a comprehensive national fertilizer manual designed to establish standardized agricultural practices, optimize crop yields, and enforce essential safety protocols throughout Nigeria. This new guide seeks to reconcile modern agricultural science with the realities faced by local farming communities, providing a cohesive framework that addresses both food security and environmental health concerns.
In partnership with the Agricultural Input Support Service (FISS), the NADF presented a harmonized fertilizer recommendation to Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. This publication marks the initial phase of a larger national guide that will encompass all crops and agricultural inputs across the country.
Launched in April 2025, the initiative brought together key organizations, including FISS, the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria, OCP Group, and the International Fertilizer Development Center. Stakeholders recognized the necessity for a unified fertilizer application framework, paving the way for scientifically validated recommendations tailored to Nigeria’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Emphasis on High-Value Commercial Inputs
NADF Director-General Mohamed Ibrahim indicated that while overall agricultural guidance remains critical, the emphasis on fertilizers stems from their role as the most commercially significant and complicated input. The development process involved extensive technical workshops and validations with research institutions and agricultural stakeholders between June 2025 and February 2026, culminating in a final editorial review.
The first edition of the manual focuses on five essential crops: maize, rice, wheat, cassava, and cowpea. Plans are already in motion to extend recommendations for additional crops. Editorial Board Chair Christogonus Daudu noted that this guide addresses a significant void that has persisted since the last National Fertilizer Manual was released in 2012, when it was managed by the then Fertilizer Procurement and Distribution Authority, now FISS.
For over a decade, farmers have operated with minimal guidance regarding optimal fertilizer rates, application schedules, and nutrient management. This lack of information has resulted in consistently lower yields, inefficient fertilizer usage, and deteriorating soil quality. Daudu emphasized that farmers have struggled to achieve optimal yields, leading to lower efficiency in fertilizer use and subpar returns on investments in subsidies.
Comprehensive Integration Across Agroecological Zones
This manual is crafted as a practical field resource for both extension agents and farmers, rather than merely a technical document. The recommendations were developed through collaboration with prominent agricultural research institutions, including the National Institute of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research and Training Institute, and the National Grain Research Institute, among others.
Covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the guide includes fertilizer recommendations tailored to six distinct agroecological zones. In addition to standard rates, it advocates for sustainable soil management practices, including Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and the ‘4Rs’ of nutrient management (right source, right amount, right time, right place). Additionally, it highlights deep fertilizer placement technology to enhance nutrient efficiency.
To ensure farm-level usability, the document presents fertilizer rates in bag equivalents rather than kilograms. The editorial team has expanded the glossary, incorporated a nutrient deficiency guide, and utilized accessible language for farmers. To address ongoing gaps in agricultural extension, there is a proposal to translate the guide into the major Nigerian languages and introduce digital tools such as automated voice response systems.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Profitability
Minister Kyari lauded the initiative but underscored the need for a balance between productivity improvements and profitability. He cautioned that increased yields would not translate into financial success for farmers if their costs exceed the economic value received. Fertilizer recommendations must consider cost-effectiveness and local soil conditions, particularly in degraded areas.
The minister also expressed concern over the weakening agricultural extension systems at the state level, highlighting the vital role extension agents play in linking farmers to productivity enhancements. He urged that the manual align with ongoing soil health initiatives and be expanded to confront climate-related issues like floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns.
With approximately 70 million hectares of arable land in Nigeria, only about 30 million hectares are currently being utilized. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for enhanced productivity systems. Ultimately, the manual aspires to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security strategy by improving nutrient management, revitalizing soil fertility, and increasing the yields of key staple crops.
