The Fertilizer Producers Association of Nigeria, (FEPSAN) has disclosed its plans to partner with farmers to curb the practices of fertilizer adulteration in the sub-sector.
Gideon Negedu, executive secretary, for the FEPSAN, made this known while speaking with journalists on the association’s efforts to control subversive practices within the industry by unscrupulous elements.
Meanwhile, the federal government of Nigeria launched the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act in 2019 as a vital component of its agricultural policy to reposition Nigeria’s economy from oil and gas to agribusiness.
FG Unveils Act to Abolish Misconduct in Fertiliser Subsector
The act was intended to safeguard the interests of the entire fertilizer value chain including manufacturers, producers, blenders, importers, distributors and end-user farmers in Nigeria.
Negedu remarked that the fertilizer bill’s passage into law provides an advantage in checking the adulteration of the commodity, and enables the Farm Input Support Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to prosecute criminals found guilty under the act.
He went on to assert that it is time for the act to be implemented and encouraged every FEPSAN members to ensure proper monitoring of the quality of their products given the legal penalties for any case of fertilizer adulteration.
IAR&T Trains Farmers on the Use of Fertilizer
He also announced two new toll numbers that farmers and other stakeholders in the sector can call concerning fertilizer issues 08175077773 and 08175777724.
“Where we want to go now is to expand our reach or discussion with farm groups so that they will be on the lookout for people who are involved in this adulteration and they can immediately report it,.” Negedu explained.
This regulatory framework aim to guarantee the supply and distribution of quality fertilizers to farmers across the country at the right time and the right prices.
