The Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) has raised concern over the increasing circulation of counterfeit agrochemicals, seeds, and fertilisers across the state.
Programme Manager of BSADP, Ya’u Muhammad, gave the warning in an interview on Tuesday in Bauchi. He noted that fake farm inputs were being sold with forged labels to deceive unsuspecting farmers, describing the development as a growing threat to agriculture in the state.
Mr Muhammad warned that the menace poses a serious risk to agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. He explained that BSADP maintains strict screening and verification procedures before approving any agrochemical or seed for use, stressing that both are critical components of crop production.
According to him, any compromise in the quality of inputs could lead to total crop failure. He recalled recent incidents involving onion farmers in parts of Bauchi who suffered major losses after unknowingly using substandard and fake agrochemicals.
“The situation was avoidable if farmers had remained vigilant and relied on approved products,” he said.
Mr Muhammad described a recent farmers’ workshop organised by the programme as timely, noting that it was designed to address recurring pest infestations and crop diseases affecting several farms in the state. He expressed optimism that the knowledge shared during the engagement would assist farmers in overcoming these challenges and ensure safer, more profitable harvests.
He further stated that modern farming should now be seen as a business that requires innovation, quality inputs, and smart techniques to achieve higher yields. He urged farmers to adopt modern practices and follow manufacturers’ instructions carefully when using agrochemicals to prevent health hazards and poor outcomes.
The programme manager also cautioned against unsafe handling of chemicals such as mixing with bare hands, using wrong measurements, and neglecting safety gear. He advised farmers to wear boots, gloves, caps, and protective clothing, and to keep agrochemicals safely stored away from children.
On efforts to tackle the spread of counterfeit products, Mr Muhammad said BSADP was collaborating with regulatory agencies and legal experts to curb the circulation of fake agrochemicals in the state.
