The Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association (FADA), 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 comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with post-harvest losses, falling prices of farm produce, and rising costs of agricultural inputs.
The Plateau State chairman of FADA, Mr. Geoffrey Monday Bisat, stated this in a press release issued in Jos, expressing sympathy with farmers over what he described as one of the most difficult farming seasons in recent years.
According to him, many farmers have recorded significant losses due to the sharp decline in grain prices 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 fertilisers 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 fertilisers not only reduce crop yields but also threaten 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 fertiliser and agro-allied dealers to avoid falling victim to fraud.
He also called on farmers and members of the public to report cases of fake fertiliser distribution to relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), 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 fertilisers 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 fertiliser production.
He expressed optimism that prices would stabilise as global market conditions improve.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of genuine and quality fertilisers 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 fertilisers from the market and safeguarding the future of farming in the state.
