Plateau fertiliser dealers raise alarm over fake products and farmer losses
The Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association in Plateau State has warned about the widespread sale of fake and adulterated fertilisers in local markets. The group, led by Geoffrey Monday Bisat, expressed concern that this trend threatens both food production and the livelihoods of farmers. Farmers are already facing severe losses, low prices for their produce, and rising costs of agricultural inputs. The association urged farmers to be vigilant and only buy from approved dealers to avoid falling victim to fraud.
What we know
- The Plateau State chapter of the Fertilizer and Agro-Allied Dealers Association reported a surge in fake and adulterated fertilisers in the state.
- Geoffrey Monday Bisat, the association's chairman, sympathised with farmers facing one of the most challenging farming seasons in recent years.
- Farmers have suffered significant losses due to falling prices of grains and other commodities, as well as rising input costs.
- The association advised farmers to buy only from registered and reputable dealers and to report cases of fake fertiliser to authorities such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Bisat clarified that the rising cost of fertilisers is due to global market disruptions and geopolitical tensions, not the actions of local dealers.
