NISS Advocates Use Of More Drones Robotics, AI, Others In Agricultural Practices

The Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has called for the deployment of robotics, artificial intelligence and other technological tools in agricultural practices in the country.

According to the institute, the role of new and emerging technological tools in improving soil analysis, crop production and, by extension, other facets of societal life is the pathway to embracing global best practices for soil scientists and other practitioners in Nigeria.

This point was aptly made by key resource persons at a capacity building workshop organised by the NISS for registered soil scientists in the North-Central Zone at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State..

Speaking at the event, immediate past Vice Chancellor of FUT, Minna, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, underscored the importance of the workshop to the soil science community, even as he expressed his fascination with the speed of infusing Robotics and other tech tools in the field of agriculture.

‘‘I am fascinated by the speed at which Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and General Mechatronics applications are being brought into the field of agriculture and I often try to ponder on how we can leverage some of the new technologies in altering the field of soil science.

‘‘It is important that we continue to adopt technologies in doing our work so that the drudgery in soil science is reduced,’’ he advocated.

Also speaking at the event, coordinator, NISS, North Central Zone, Prof. Akim Osunde, highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the Institute over the past two years.

He urged participants to ensure they take away learnings from the workshop for implementation in their work, disclosing that the aim of the event centred around boosting the capacity of registered soil scientists in the North Central Zone covering Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau States and the FCT on new innovations and advances in the teaching and practice of soil science in the global space.

‘‘Strengthening the capacity of RSS members will no doubt culminate in the improvement of service delivery to extension agents and the farmers, consequently resulting in the enhancement of their productive capacity and efficiency,’’ Prof Osunde affirmed.

Tagged New Innovations and Advances in Soil Science, participants were exposed to a feast of knowledge captured in insightful presentations cutting across drone-based mapping for more accurate soil analysis, a study of how Mycorrhizal fungi can improve soil health and plant productivity, as well as the use of sensors and data analytics in precision agriculture to optimize crop yields, among others.

One of the facilitators and president, Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigerian Universities (ADAN), Prof O.J. Jaiyeoba, encouraged participants to get acquainted with the use of drone technology, the role it plays in agricultural practices and how the soil science profession should not be restricted to agriculture and soil alone.

Jaiyeoba said, ‘‘Of course, technology is moving and moving fast. It is affecting everything and every area of life. Internet-of-Things is being applied in so many areas of life, including agriculture. Today, we looked at how drone sensors can be used in soil analysis. The traditional soil analysis takes time, is expensive and laborious.

‘‘But today, we can use the technology of eye-sensitive drones and high-powered sensors that can scan even up to 200-300 centimeters deep into the soil and be able to produce information that is even beyond agriculture. We can do analysis that can affect environmental management, land management, geology, civil engineering, construction and so many other things. So, soil science is not only for agriculture.”

At the end of the workshop, the participants also did not fail to express their delight at the new knowledge garnered, with many of them revealing how useful the adaptation of the introduced technological tools would improve their professional output.

The event also witnessed a Question-and-Answer session as well as presentation of certificates to the invited participants.

Similar training has been conducted in the other five geopolitical zones of the country.

The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) is primarily charged with the responsibility for regulating the profession of Soil Science in Nigeria.