NISS to clamp down on fake soil scientists

The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has said it would begin a clampdown on quake and fake soil scientists in the country. 

The Institute added that preparation has reached an advanced stage to towards the prosecution of unqualified soil scientists in a bid to prevent soil degradation.

The Registrar, Professor Victor Chude, who disclosed this in Abuja, on Friday during the induction ceremony of newly registered soil scientists, said the move became necessary following the increasing menace of quackery among soil scientists nationwide.

He said the induction of the newly registered soil scientists is to establish the culture of standard in the Institute.

Professor Chude noted that the NISS Act of 2017 regulates the profession and the use and management of soil resources to maintain high soil quality for sustainable crop production.

According to him, soil scientists play the same role as doctors do, saying that if the soil is not properly treated, it will not support the production of crops and it will lead to poor yield.

“With the induction of the soil scientists, there is going to be awareness created for people to know how we operate. We are going to have an amendment to the Act as soil is a vital and non renewable component of the ecosystem”, he said.

The President NISS and Chairman of the Council, Professor Ayo Ogunkunle said the negative impact of quacks scientists can affect millions of people for several years before detection.

Professor Ogunkunle who noted that the importance of the regulation of the profession, said the soil resources of the nation must not be neglected or allowed to degrade beyond profitable agricultural use.

He solicited government support to enable it carry out detailed survey and mapping of Nigeria soil resources.

He said: ” Agricultural soil is the real wealth of a nation as it is basic to human existence, essential for food, feed, fibre and fuel production. 

“A crucial requirement for appropriate use and management of the soil resources of a nation is a good knowledge of the various soil components and characteristics. This is not possible without a detailed soil survey of the country”, he said.

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