The Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) has cautioned traders against manipulating agricultural inputs, stating that violators will face legal action.

The managing director, Rabiu Bichi, stated at a news conference in Kano that some agricultural input dealers distributed contaminated fertilisers, seedlings, and other supplies. 

He expressed concern that this action had resulted in significant losses for Nigerian farmers, particularly those in the northern region.

According to Bichi, the government would use its established systems to detect and punish those who deal in tainted agricultural inputs this season.

Bichi urged the public to report any dealers of adulterated farm inputs to the relevant authorities, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (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 lookout and report anybody found selling adulterated farm inputs to NAFDAC, SON and other relevant authorities.

“Such adulterated farm inputs made farmers incur losses last season and have the potential to cause diseases like cancer.

“This time around, we 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 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.

Bichi claims that this entails optimising current systems and implementing cutting-edge irrigation techniques.

“A thorough evaluation has been carried out, and specialised committees have been formed to develop a strategic action plan,” he stated.

Bichi continued, “The authority has determined important ways to improve food production and security in the basin, as reflected in the president’s emergency food security decree.”

“Committees have been established to strengthen food security, improve community livelihoods, and promote sustainable development,” he stated.

Bichi was excited and anticipated strong stakeholder cooperation in achieving these objectives.

Source: NAN

Image Credit: Wind Flow