Olufemi Adeyemi 


The rapid loss of fertile soil due to climate change and intensive agricultural practices poses a significant challenge, especially as the global population continues to grow. Hydroponics, which involves growing plants without soil, has the potential to revolutionize agriculture by offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional farming methods.

In the fast-changing agricultural environment of today, technology is essential in enabling farmers to tackle the challenges they encounter. Technology is progressively acknowledged as a driving force for rejuvenating underperforming industries.

What's Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture (PA) refers to the scientific approach aimed at enhancing crop yields and supporting management decisions through advanced sensor technology and analytical tools. This innovative concept is being embraced globally to boost production, minimize labor requirements, and optimize the management of fertilizers and irrigation systems.

In line with this perspective, the agricultural industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, driven by the ongoing integration of advanced technological practices.

A notable example of such innovation is the soil-less farming system, commonly referred to as hydroponics.

What's Hydroponics

As water moves through the soil, it carries essential nutrients to the roots of plants. In soilless farming methods like hydroponics, farmers provide these nutrients, which are pre-mixed in a water reservoir, directly to the plant roots, ensuring they also receive ample oxygen for optimal growth.

This process entails cultivating plants, vegetables, and fruits in a water-based environment enriched with solutions that provide all the essential nutrients necessary for plant growth. Research indicates that plants need five fundamental elements for their development: nutrients, light, oxygen, support, and water.

This method operates on the principle that plants can flourish without traditional soil, as their roots are submerged in a nutrient-rich solution that provides all necessary elements for growth.

In Nigeria, one of the leading figures in promoting soil-less farming is Mr. Ogbole Samson, the Team Lead at Eupepsia Place Limited (Soilless Farm Lab).

His approach to soil-less agriculture tackles challenges such as soil degradation and unpredictable climate conditions, facilitating continuous crop production throughout the year.

By employing greenhouses and drip irrigation techniques, Ogbole has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve high yields with limited land and water resources, presenting a viable solution to Nigeria's agricultural issues.

Additionally, Mr. Femi Adekoya, the Managing Director and Founder of Integrated Ariel Precision, has embraced precision agriculture technologies, particularly the use of drones, to significantly boost productivity and profitability.

This farming management strategy focuses on monitoring, measuring, and responding to variations in time and space to enhance the sustainability of agricultural production.

Adekoya stated, “Drones offer farmers immediate insights into soil quality, crop status, and environmental conditions, allowing for targeted application of inputs and effective resource management. This analytical method minimizes waste, enhances productivity, and transforms farming into a more appealing and lucrative enterprise.”

Steve Okeleji, the Founder of Aquatic Hub Afrique Network, has effectively utilized technology to address challenges such as elevated operational costs and environmental concerns.

His journey from using wooden boxes to innovating cage farming in Nigeria exemplifies how technological advancements and ongoing enhancements can foster success in the agricultural sector.

Okeleji expressed his support for various government initiatives but voiced his opposition to the recent decision to lift the ban on specific food imports.

He contended that importing food negatively impacts local farmers, as crops like rice, maize, and beans require several months to mature.

He stated, “Rather than depending on imports, the government should prioritize the support of local farmers to enhance domestic food production.

It is essential to motivate young individuals to enter the farming industry to ensure food security for both current and future generations while capitalizing on agricultural opportunities.

Nigeria should not be reliant on food imports. This is one policy I cannot endorse. We must encourage the youth to view agriculture as a promising and fulfilling career.

With appropriate resources and backing, we can cultivate a new generation of technologically adept farmers who will guide Nigeria towards a future of food security,” Okeleji remarked.

Pioneers such as Samson Ogbole, Steve Okeleji, and Femi Adekoya are at the forefront, showcasing that with appropriate resources and a positive attitude, Nigerian farmers can tap into the immense agricultural opportunities available in the country.

Engaging Youth by Leveraging Technology

The incorporation of technology in agriculture extends beyond merely enhancing yields and profitability; it also involves reshaping societal perceptions.

In Nigeria, agriculture is frequently regarded as a low-status, labor-intensive occupation, particularly among the younger population.

However, as highlighted by Ogbole, Okeleji, and Adekoya, contemporary agriculture can be an exciting, innovative, and highly rewarding sector.

Utilizing technology is vital for making agriculture attractive to the youth. The implementation of drones, automated systems, and data analytics revolutionizes farming, transforming it from a conventional, manual endeavor into a sophisticated industry.

This transformation not only draws young individuals into the field but also provides them with the necessary skills and opportunities to foster further innovation.

Furthermore, involving young people in agriculture is essential for the nation’s food security and economic sustainability.

With Nigeria's population expected to surpass 300 million in the coming years, the demand for food will inevitably increase.

It is crucial to ensure that a new generation of farmers is well-versed in the latest technologies to meet this demand and decrease dependence on food imports.

In conclusion, the farming industry is experiencing a transformation through the use of AI and data-driven insights, in precision agriculture. By leveraging technologies farmers are able to optimize their operations increase productivity and minimize their impact.

In summary, the agricultural sector is undergoing a significant change due to the integration of AI and data-driven insights in precision farming. By utilizing these technologies, farmers can enhance their operations, boost productivity, and reduce their environmental footprint.