AfriPulse
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State chapter of the Fertiliser and Agro-Allied Dealers’ Association (FADA) has expressed worries over the sale and circulation of fake and adulterated fertilisers in markets across the state.
The association warned that the trend posed a serious threat to food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
The association said the development was coming at a time when farmers were already battling severe post-harvest losses, declining prices of farm produce and rising costs of agricultural inputs.
In a statement in Jos, yesterday, Chairman of FADA in the state, Mr. Geoffrey Monday Bisat, expressed sympathy with farmers over what he described as one of the most difficult farming seasons in recent years.
According to him, many farmers have suffered significant losses due to the sharp drop in the prices of grains and other agricultural commodities.
This, he said, has drastically 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 fertilisers 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 said.
The chairman warned that fake fertilisers not only reduce crop yields but also posed a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farming households dependent on agriculture.
Emphasising that the association would not remain silent while unscrupulous dealers undermine genuine farmers through sharp practices, Bisat urged farmers to patronise only approved, reputable and registered fertiliser and agro-allied dealers.
The chairman called on farmers and members of the public to report cases of fake fertiliser distribution to relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), FADA offices and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Source: SunNewsOnline | Read the Full Story…
