[MUST READ ] Farmers raise alarm over fake fertiliser in Nigeria

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From planting to harvesting, quality fertiliser and inputs are needed by farmers to produce good yields, which in-turn benefit the consumers and also help to support the government’s goal of self-sufficiency.

The recent issue of adulterated and fake fertiliser in the country has become a problem to farmers who have complained in some states of loss of profits and damaged goods. It was discovered that these fertilisers were distributed by some dealers during the planting season, and have caused great damage to the crops planted by farmers, especially in states like Cross River, Kaduna and Anambra.

This has led to high amount of failed crops and output.

This issue according to some stakeholders will not only affect farmers but also the masses. The fears of the farmers are that the country may face a fertiliser crisis which will directly affect the farming community and the nation at large.

The government has been charged by concerned Nigerians to immediately investigate the illegal practice in the industry. Such practices in the fertiliser and pesticide industry endangers the government’s food sufficiency plans. If farmers use adulterated inputs, the government may not achieve its desired target of sufficiency across all agricultural commodities.

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This issue needs urgent attention from the government, because the condition of farm lands may be at stake as the unregulated components mixed with the fertilisers can cause long-term effects to the quality of soil.

However, a statement from the ministry of Agriculture has warned farmers, registered cooperative societies and others associated with the agricultural value chain against the purchase and usage of such fake inputs.

Issuing warnings and directives alone wont solve the problem. There is need for proactive measures establishing proper regulation on agrochemicals including pesticides to meet global standards. This way, our foods can be safe for consumption locally and whenever we export them too.

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