The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has sealed a fertiliser shop in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa for alleged sale of substandard products.
Mr Sale Adamu, an Assistant Director, Farm Inputs Support Services (FMARD), told newsmen that the product was taken for laboratory test and was confirmed substandard.
He said laboratory analysis showed the nutrient content of the substandard product was N.P.K 7-0-6 as against the N.P.K 20-10-10 written on the bags.
He added that the product would negatively affect farmers’ productivity.
“This particular shop is found to be selling substandard fertiliser.
“By regulation, the FMARD is mandated to seal any shop or production facility found to be engaged in either production or sale of substandard fertiliser.
“Therefore, the shop shall remain sealed until conclusion of additional investigation,’’ Adamu said.
“Farmers are being cheated because they will not get the value for their money. The product will affect the yield of their efforts negatively.
“So, as an authority, we are carrying out this assignment in order to safeguard the interest of our farmers,’’ Adamu stressed.
He warned those involved in the production of the substandard product to desist, adding that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.
Adamu advised farmers to always buy quality fertiliser for good results, and report any dealer who engaged in the sale of substandard products to the appropriate authority.