By Moh’d Kawai Mai kudi
The Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), in partnership with NISSCORP, held a one-day Sentinel XTM North-West Zonal Validation Workshop themed: “Enhancing Food Safety and Consumer Health in Nigeria: Sentinel X as an Innovative Solution for Agrochemical Detoxification in Agricultural Produce.”
The workshop brought together agricultural stakeholders, government representatives, technical experts, development practitioners, and participants who joined both physically and virtually to deliberate on the innovative solution capable of improving agricultural productivity, food safety, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
The event was organised to evaluate and validate Sentinel XTM, an innovative non-chemical crop protection solution designed to support pest management and crop nutrition while reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers and excessive agrochemical use.
The technology has reportedly been deployed successfully across several African countries, contributing to the protection of over 50,000 hectares of farmland. In Kaduna State, pilot demonstrations have already been conducted across the three senatorial zones to assess its effectiveness under local farming conditions.
Presentations during the workshop highlighted that the Sentinel X Photonic Crop Protection Project is an emerging agricultural support solution that enables farmers to detect crop stress and pest challenges at early stages, allowing timely intervention and improved crop performance.
Experts explained that photonic crop protection involves the use of light-based systems to protect crops while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. The approach is expected to contribute to safer food production systems and improved consumer health.
Delivering an opening remark, the General Manager, Malam Muhammad RILI, welcome participants and emphasised the need to embrace sustainable agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and protect human health and the environment, in line with Governor Senator Uba Sani’s agricultural transformation agenda. He commended the collaboration between KADA and NISSCORP and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security and advance agricultural transformation in Kaduna State.
Delivering a good will message, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture Malam Murtala Dabo, reiterated the state government’s commitment to promote innovation, food security and climate-smart agricultural practices. The Commissioner encouraged stakeholders to continue exploring practical approaches that strengthen the agricultural value chain and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
On the purpose of the event, Kingsley Obaji, President of NISSCORP, stated that the zonal validation workshop was designed to gather stakeholder feedback and provide an evidence-based platform for determining the suitability of Sentinel XTM for wider deployment. He expressed appreciation to the leadership of KADA, particularly the General Manager, for the support and collaboration that contributed to the successful implementation and pilot phases of the project.
Technical presentations were delivered during the workshop, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session where participants engaged experts on the operational framework, expected outcomes, scalability and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Stakeholders at the event included General Managers from Kano, Zamafara and Plateau States, agricultural professionals, extension officers, researchers and representatives of partner organisations.
Participants acknowledged the potential of the technology to reduce excessive chemical application on farms and encouraged farmers to adopt safer and more sustainable crop management practices that protect soil health, food quality, and the environment.
Shike delivering the closing remarks and recommendations, Malam RILI emphasised the need for continued validation, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning towards future commercial adoption of the solution. He noted that scaling innovative agricultural interventions such as Sentinel XTM could contribute significantly to improved food safety, consumer health, and sustainable agricultural development in Kaduna State, the North-West region, and Nigeria.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote innovations that support resilient and productive agricultural systems across Kaduna State and beyond.
