By Dorcas Kabuya
The Ministry of Agriculture through Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) has warned fertiliser manufacturers to desist from floating sub – standard fertiliser on the market.
This call came to light during an on the spot check of agro dealer shops by Fertiliser Inspectors in Lusaka’s central business district after alarming reports of sub-standard fertilisers flooding the market.
ZARI Soil Scientist, Robert Salati, who led a team of inspectors, shared that sub-standard fertilisers had serious implications on the income and food security of the nation.
Mr. Salati noted that it was unfortunate that some of the Compound D Fertilisers like Capricorn and Nitro Phos Limited exhibited low nutritional status as opposed to the declared status after the samples were exposure to rapid dry chemistry analysis.
“For Zambia, all Compound D Fertilisers are renowned for their well-balanced blend of essential nutrients of 10 percent Nitrogen (N), 20 percent Phosphorus (P), 10 percent Potassium (K) and six percent Sulphur (S). However, Capricorn and Nitro Phos Limited basal fertilisers had less than five percent of each of the nutrients,” he revealed.
He further disclosed that Ecofert, an organic fertiliser still undergoing production testing and yet to receive official certifications, was found being sold on the market contrary to the provision of the Fertiliser Act.
“For an organic fertiliser to be approved in our country, it should have minimum levels of five percent for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. However, Ecofert has only three percent Nitrogen, one percent Phosphorus and one percent Potassium,” he added.
Mr. Salati urged manufacturers to uphold and adhere to quality standards, emphasising on the importance of providing fertilisers that meet the required specifications and not compromising agricultural productivity.
“Our role as Fertiliser Inspectors is to make sure that we check on the quality of fertilisers being sold on spot so that appropriate advice can be given to agro-dealers on where they can purchase fertilisers which meet the specified standards and protect the market,” he stated.
Mr. Salati stressed that considering the serious nature of manufacturers selling sub-standard fertilisers, there was a possibility that some manufacturers may lose their licences or be taken to court adding that they were putting agro-dealers in an awkward position.
However, he expressed disappointment that some of the manufacturers supplying sub-standard fertilisers are local producers, whom the government had intended to support in producing fertilisers to boost the sector.
Mr. Salati indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to endeavour to protect the interests of agro-dealers and the farmers from unscrupulous manufactures for the agricultural sector to thrive.
“As government we are working to ensure that the local manufacturers improve on their standards and those who will be found not adhering to the laid down procedures will have to compensate the agro-dealers and the farmers,” he said.
And farmers interacted with called on government to continue conducting routine inspections to ensure the quality of the fertilisers being sold.
Mildred Hamakuba, a farmer from Chilanga District lamented that sub-standard fertilisers were a drain on the part of farmers adding that they led to low productivity.
“Urgent interventions and quality control measures need to be implemented to curb the flooding of markets with sub-standard fertilisers,”stated Ms. Hamakuba.
Kelvin Hakainda, another farmer from Chibombo District, appreciated the ministry’s initiative to inspect fertiliser quality at a critical time in the agricultural season.
Mr. Hakainda strongly urged the government to prioritise inspections of Compound D fertiliser, emphasising that many farmers have encountered issues with purchasing sub-standard fertilisers, often containing sand.
“There have been instances where farmers purchased and applied fertilisers, particularly Compound D, however, the growth stage of the crops did not align with the amount of fertiliser applied. Many farmers have observed stunted growth and diminishing yields,” he explained.
The distribution of sub-standard fertiliser not only leads to financial losses for the farmer but also jeopardises the food supply chain. – NAIS
