The Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), Plateau State Chapter, has warned that the growing circulation of fake and adulterated fertilizers across the state could undermine agricultural productivity and pose a serious threat to food security.
The association raised the concern during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Jos, where fertilizer dealers, distributors and other players in the agricultural value chain reviewed challenges affecting farming activities in Plateau State.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of FADA in the state, Geoffrey Monday Bisat, said the sale of counterfeit fertilizers is worsening the difficulties farmers are already facing amid rising production costs, insecurity and poor market returns.
According to him, many farmers are yet to recover from losses recorded during the previous farming season, while insecurity in some farming communities continues to restrict access to farmlands and reduce agricultural output.
Bisat noted that the use of adulterated fertilizers could further reduce crop yields and negatively affect efforts to ensure adequate food production in the state.
“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,” he said.
He disclosed that the association is collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in the illegal trade, stressing that FADA has zero tolerance for fertilizer adulteration.
“What affects the farmer affects us. Farmers are the backbone of the economy and the source of our livelihood. We therefore frown at any member involved in adulteration and urge them to desist immediately because law enforcement agencies are already on top of the situation,” he added.
The FADA chairman also advised farmers to buy fertilizers and agrochemicals only from registered and approved dealers to avoid falling victim to counterfeit products. He urged members of the public to report suspected cases of fake fertilizers through appropriate channels.
Bisat further acknowledged the recent increase in fertilizer and agrochemical prices, attributing the development to global market pressures and disruptions in the international petrochemical industry. He, however, expressed optimism that prices would stabilize and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ensuring farmers have access to quality agricultural inputs.
During the meeting, stakeholders also highlighted insecurity, post-harvest losses, declining produce prices and rising input costs as major challenges confronting farmers and threatening sustainable food production in Plateau State.
