The Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association, Plateau State chapter, has raised the alarm over the growing circulation of fake and adulterated fertilisers in markets across the state, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
The association said the development is coming at a time when farmers are already battling severe post-harvest losses, declining prices of farm produce, and rising costs of agricultural inputs.
Chairman of FADA in Plateau State, Mr. Geoffrey Monday Bisat, stated this in a press statement released in Jos on Monday , where he 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, a situation that has 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 fertilizers 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.
Bisat warned that fake fertilizers not only reduce crop yields but also pose a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farming households dependent on agriculture.
He stressed that the association would not remain silent while unscrupulous dealers undermine genuine farmers through the distribution of adulterated farm inputs.
The FADA chairman urged farmers across Plateau State to patronise only approved, reputable and registered fertilizer and agro-allied dealers to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
He also called on farmers and members of the public to report cases of fake fertilizer distribution to relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), FADA offices, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bisat further lamented the continued rise in the prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, saying the situation has worsened the challenges faced by farmers this season.
He, however, clarified that the price increase was not caused by dealers or stakeholders within the agricultural supply chain.
According to him, the development is largely driven by disruptions in the global market and geopolitical tensions affecting petrochemical products used in the production of fertilizers and agrochemicals.
He expressed optimism that prices would stabilise as global market conditions improve and international tensions ease.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of genuine and quality fertilizers across Plateau State, stressing that sustainable agriculture and food security depend on protecting farmers from exploitation and ensuring access to standard farm inputs.
Bisat called on government agencies, security operatives, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to intensify efforts toward eliminating fake fertilizers from the market and safeguarding the future of farming in the state.