Fertiliser and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), has warned that, “there are fake fertilsers in circulation, and this has grave implications for the country.”
The Plateau State chapter of the association let out the warning, adding that not only does this pose a serious threat to food production but farmers’ livelihoods as well.
In a statement, circulated in Jos, FADA state chairman Mr Geoffrey Monday Bisat, described the farming season as “one of the difficult in recent years.”
He added that the developments are coming at a time when farmers are already battling severe post-harvest losses, declining prices of farm produce and rising costs of agricultural inputs.
He said many of his members have suffered significant losses due to the sharp drop in the prices of grains and other agricultural commodities, a situation that has reduced profitability and discouraged investment in farming.
“While sharing in the pains of our farmers, we wish to strongly caution against the increasing circulation of fake and adulterated fertilizers and other farm inputs in various markets.
“At a time when farmers are already grappling with economic hardship and losses, it would be unacceptable for desperate individuals to further exploit them through the sale of substandard agricultural products,” he added.
He stated that, the Association would not watch idly over the issue of fake fertilisers in circulation, adding that using such product not only reduce crop yields, but also pose a serious threat to food security.
“The fake fertilisers in circulation also endanger livers given that it is a major agricultural input on which the livelihoods of thousands of farming households depend.”
Farmers, he advised further, should patronise only approved, and registered fertiliser and agro-allied dealers, while the farmers and members of the public should report cases of fake fertiliser distribution.
He advised that, such reports should be channeled to Department of State Services (DSS), FADA offices, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
On the issue of price escalation, Bisat lamented further worsening of the situation, blaming this on disruptions in the global market and geopolitical tensions affecting petrochemical products used in the production of fertilizers and agrochemicals.
The Chairman equally called on relevant Government Agencies to intensify efforts toward safeguarding the future of farming in the state by eliminating fake fertilisers.
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