The Chairman of the Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Geoffrey Monday Bisat, has expressed concern over the increasing adulteration of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the illegal practice.
Mr. Bisat made the association’s position known on Wednesday while speaking with journalists shortly after a meeting held at the association’s office in Jos to address the growing menace of fake and adulterated farm inputs.
He said unsuspecting farmers who purchase counterfeit fertilizers and other substandard agricultural inputs not only suffer financial losses but also experience poor crop yields and reduced harvests.
The FADA chairman sympathized with victims of adulterated agro-products and urged farmers to identify and patronize only genuine fertilizer dealers to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices.
He assured farmers that the association would work with relevant security agencies to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in the production and sale of fake fertilizers.
“We, the Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), Plateau State Chapter, express deep concern over the growing challenges confronting farmers across the state, particularly the devastating effects of post-harvest losses, falling produce prices, and the proliferation of fake and adulterated fertilizers in the market,” he said.
According to Mr. Bisat, farmers remain the backbone of food production and economic growth, yet many are currently facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the sustainability of agricultural activities.
FADA further warned that the circulation of counterfeit fertilizers and substandard farm inputs poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food security.
“As stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, we cannot remain silent while desperate individuals exploit hardworking farmers through the sale of fake and adulterated fertilizers. The future of our food security depends on protecting farmers and ensuring they have access to genuine agricultural inputs,” the association stated.
The association therefore urged farmers across Plateau State to patronize only approved and registered fertilizer and agro-allied dealers affiliated with FADA to guarantee the quality and authenticity of the products they purchase.
FADA also called on farmers and members of the public to report any suspected cases of fake fertilizers or adulterated farm inputs through the association’s designated hotlines.
