By Ahmed Ahmed
Agricultural Experts in Bauchi State have cautioned farmers against adulterated agro-chemicals,fertilizer, and substandards seeds in their farms.
The experts gave the warning in an interactive Agricultural Extension Service AES Radio Programme for Smallholder farmers (SHFS) at Globe FM Bauchi on Sunday in Bauchi.
The programme with a title Together Against Poverty (TAP) project is sponsored by Civil Society legislative Advocacy Center with support from OXFAM.
Dr Iliyasu Gital, Agronomist and former General Manager Bauchi Agricultural Development Project (BSADP) said adulterated agro-chemicals, fertilizer, seeds, seedlings and other substandard inputs contribute to low yield in farms.
“Therefore, farmers should be wary of what types of farm inputs and seeds they buy and apply in their farms.
“Substandard agro-chemicals, including fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides have damaging effects on the quality, quantity and profitability of farm products.
“Adulterated inputs affect plant size and root formation by causing poor quality outputs,” he said
Dr Gital stressed that adulterated seeds and seedlings are not genetically pure, urging farmers to always consult before buying inputs.
The State Chairman Agro Chemical Dealers Alhaji Mohammed Sani lamented over the said the sales and use of substandard goods lead to waste of resources and valuable time and failure.
He advises farmers to have access to certified seeds and chemical inputs, rather than using what is available in the open market.
“Farmers should better seek advice on seeds and agro-chemical inputs when anyone embarks on agriculture as a business,” he said.
Sani also urged the government to curb the menace and proliferation of fake manufacturers, agro dealers selling adulterated fertilizer and agrochemicals to farmers.
Our correspondent reports that the project involves interactive discussion that improves Agricultural practices towards addressing key barriers facing smallholder farmers , especially women farmers.
Discussants of the series programme include Extension Workers, Researchers , Government Representatives and Farmers to improve availability, accessible and affordability of relevant and reliable Agricultural information to Small Holder farmers.