In response to Guinea's growing concern over soil degradation, Tidjane Agriculture has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Terracalco to launch a two-day training program for trainers on using agricultural lime, known as Terracalco. The program, which began on October 9, 2026, aims to equip farmers and agricultural technicians with practical solutions to address soil acidity, a major obstacle to crop yields in the country. The training is taking place at Tidjane Agriculture's center in Modia, in the Friguiagbé sub-prefecture of Kindia.
Soil degradation is a pressing issue in Guinea, where the country's agricultural sector is struggling to achieve its full potential. According to Tidjane Bah, CEO of Tidjane Agriculture, the country's soil acidity problem is widespread, affecting crop yields and food security. The use of Terracalco, a technology already employed in several African countries, including Senegal, is expected to help address this issue. Terracalco's approach involves using limestone to raise the pH of acidic soils, making it easier for crops to absorb essential nutrients.
The training program, which focuses on the practical application of Terracalco, aims to build a network of trainers who can disseminate the technology to farmers across Guinea. Tidjane Bah emphasized the importance of proper application of the product, stating that it requires a specific technique to achieve desired results. The program has attracted participants from various farmer organizations and cooperatives, who will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote the use of Terracalco in their communities.
Aboubacar Demba Samoura, Director General of Agriculture, attended the launch of the training program and highlighted its significance in the context of Guinea's agricultural policies. He noted that the country's vast agricultural land, estimated at over 13 million hectares, is not being fully utilized due to soil degradation and acidity issues. Samoura emphasized that the use of products like Terracalco can help address these challenges and unlock the country's agricultural potential.
The partnership between Tidjane Agriculture and Terracalco is seen as a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity in Guinea. By introducing innovative solutions like Terracalco, the country's farmers can increase crop yields, improve food security, and contribute to economic growth. The training program is expected to have a positive impact on Guinea's agricultural sector, which is a major source of employment and income for many Guineans.
According to Tidjane Bah, the use of Terracalco has already shown promising results in other countries, including Senegal, where it has been used to achieve high crop yields. In Senegal, farmers have reportedly achieved yields of up to 8 tons per hectare of rice and over 90 tons per hectare of tomatoes. Bah expressed optimism that similar results can be achieved in Guinea, where the country's fertile soils and favorable climate make it well-suited for agriculture.
The launch of the training program marks a significant milestone in Guinea's efforts to revitalize its agricultural sector. With the support of partners like Terracalco, the country's farmers and agricultural technicians can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to address soil degradation and improve crop yields. The program's success is expected to have a lasting impact on Guinea's food security and economic development.
Key points
- Tidjane Agriculture and Terracalco partner to train Guinean farmers and technicians on using agricultural lime to improve soil fertility and boost crop yields.
