Farm inputs
By Aminu Garko
Kano, The Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) has warned dealers to desist from adulterating farm inputs or face the law.
Its Managing Director, Rabiu Bichi, made the announcement during a press briefing in Kano on Monday.
He decried that Nigerian farmers, particularly in the North, had suffered significant losses due to the unpatriotic actions of some farm inputs’ dealers who sold adulterated fertilisers, seedlings, and other inputs.
According to Bichi, the authority will this season, crack down on the dealers of adulterated farm inputs, having established mechanisms to identify and penalise them.
Bichi urged the public to report any dealers of adulterated farm inputs to the relevant authorities like NAFDAC, SON, and HJRBDA.
He warned that these fake products posed serious health risks, including cancer, to Nigerians.
“My call on the public is to be on the look and report anybody found selling adulterated farm inputs to NAFDAC, SON and other relevant authorities.
“Such adulterated farm inputs have made farmers incurred losses last season and have potential to cause diseases like cancer.
“This time around, well will be very vigilant to ensure good farm inputs are distributed to farmers and go after those selling adulterated ones and punish them,” he warned.
Bichi also explained that the authority is committed to transforming river basin development and food security initiatives.
The managing director stated that the authority had embarked on a transformative journey to boost the socio-economic development of the river basin.
According to Bichi, this involves introducing innovative irrigation techniques and optimising existing systems.
He said, “A comprehensive review has been conducted, and specialized committees have been established to formulate a strategic action plan.
Bichi added that the authority had identified key strategies to enhance food production and security within the basin, aligning with the President’s emergency food security directive.
He explained,”Committees have been established to promote sustainable development, strengthen food security, and improve community livelihoods.”
Bichi expressed enthusiasm, looking forward to a robust stakeholders’ collaboration to achieve these goals.
