Farmers in Lagos State have thrown their weight behind the government’s drive to promote hydroponics, popularly known as soilless farming, describing it as a timely innovation capable of transforming food production and addressing land constraints in the state.
The farmers, drawn from different agricultural value chains, made the submission during a one-day capacity-building programme on soilless farming organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) at the Johnson Agri Hall, Oko-Oba, Agege.
While commending the initiative, participants appealed to the state government to sustain the programme and extend it to more farming communities through regular and decentralized training sessions. According to them, wider access to the technology will equip more farmers with modern cultivation techniques and contribute significantly to the state’s food sufficiency goals.
Delivering a presentation at the training, the Managing Director of Soilless Farm, Mr. Faruk Onaolapo, highlighted the growing relevance of agriculture in today’s economy, noting that farming has evolved into a profitable enterprise attracting increasing interest from Nigerians.
He explained that successful farming requires adequate knowledge of crop management practices, including soil requirements, nutrient application, pest control, and the proper use of fertilizers to ensure optimum productivity.
According to him, the effects of climate change have continued to threaten conventional farming methods, making the adoption of technology-driven agricultural solutions more important than ever.
Onaolapo described hydroponics as a modern cultivation system that enables crops to grow without soil by providing plants with essential nutrients through alternative growing media such as rice husk and cocoa peat.
He encouraged participants to continuously seek knowledge and explore innovative farming techniques that can improve productivity and profitability on their farms.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head of Crops Development Sub-Component at LSADA, Dr. Buk Sadiku, praised farmers for their resilience and commitment to ensuring a steady food supply despite numerous challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
She emphasized the critical role farmers play in national development, noting that food security would be impossible without their dedication and hard work.
Dr. Sadiku observed that Lagos, despite having one of the smallest land masses in the country, continues to experience rapid population growth, creating increased demand for food. She said this reality informed the state’s decision to embrace innovative farming technologies capable of producing higher yields within limited spaces.
She further explained that the introduction of hydroponics is part of ongoing efforts to promote smart agriculture, increase food production, and build a more resilient food system for the state.
The agricultural expert added that the initiative would also encourage households to embrace small-scale farming, thereby enhancing food availability and supporting long-term food security for Lagos residents.
