FADA Raises Alarm Over Fake Fertiliser in Plateau Markets

News in Brief:

—FADA says fake and adulterated fertilisers are increasingly circulating in Plateau markets, posing risks to crop yields and food security.

—The association urged farmers to buy only from registered dealers and report suspected counterfeit products to security and regulatory agencies.

The Fertiliser and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), Plateau State chapter, has raised concerns over the growing circulation of fake and adulterated fertilisers in markets across the state. It warns that the trend could further worsen the challenges confronting farmers.

The association said the development comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with post-harvest losses, declining commodity prices and rising production costs. Thus, adding counterfeit agricultural inputs to the mix will be particularly damaging to the sector.

Speaking in a press statement issued in Jos, FADA State Chairman, Geoffrey Monday Bisat, described the current farming season as one of the most difficult in recent years, noting that many farmers have suffered significant financial losses due to falling prices of grains and other farm produce.

Association Warns Against Counterfeit Inputs

Bisat stated that the increasing presence of fake fertilisers and other adulterated farm inputs in the market represents a serious threat to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

"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 stated.

According to him, counterfeit fertilisers reduce crop yields, undermine farmers' investments, and threaten food security across the state.

The association stressed that it would continue to oppose the activities of unscrupulous dealers involved in distributing fake agricultural inputs.

Farmers Urged to Buy From Registered Dealers

FADA advised farmers to purchase fertilisers and agro-inputs only from approved and registered dealers to avoid being defrauded.

The association also encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases of fake fertiliser distribution to relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), FADA offices, and the State Ministry of Agriculture.

Bisat also expressed concern over the rising cost of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, which he said have increased the burden on farmers.

However, he clarified that the price increases were largely driven by global market disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting petrochemical products used in fertiliser and agrochemical production, rather than actions by local dealers.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that prices could stabilise as global supply conditions improve.

Call for Stronger Enforcement

FADA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of genuine fertilisers across Plateau State and called on government agencies, security operatives and industry stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate counterfeit products from the market.

The association maintained that protecting farmers from fake inputs is essential to sustaining agricultural productivity, improving food security and safeguarding rural livelihoods.