The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning against the use of counterfeit agrochemicals and pesticides in crop cultivation and poultry farming.
Speaking during a farmers’ forum themed “Best Practices to Maximise Profits in Poultry Business” on Thursday in Abakaliki, Mr. Emeka Orajaka, NAFDAC Coordinator in Ebonyi State, stressed the dangers of using unapproved chemicals.
The event was organised by Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Ltd in partnership with the Ebonyi chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Orajaka urged farmers to adopt proper agricultural practices and purchase only genuine products from verified sources to avoid potential health hazards.
He emphasized that poor practices not only affect productivity but also pose serious risks to public health.
“You must apply good agricultural practices in order to achieve good profit. Anything you are doing without good practice, will amount to nothing,” he stated.
He highlighted that harmful chemicals, when misused, can linger in crops and livestock, ultimately entering the human food chain and endangering health.
Orajaka acknowledged the vital role of agrochemicals and pesticides in enhancing crop yield and reducing losses but stressed that indiscriminate use remains a major concern. He noted that NAFDAC only approves qualified distributors to ensure safety in the supply chain.
In his remarks, Mr. Peace Obawo, National Sales Manager of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Ltd, said the event was organized to educate farmers on proper feed and medication usage in poultry farming, with the goal of improving profitability.
He echoed concerns over the harmful effects of counterfeit agrochemicals and encouraged farmers to avoid such products.
A local poultry farmer, Joy Egbo, expressed appreciation to Karma Agric and NAFDAC for the initiative, pledging to advocate for the use of certified and approved agrochemicals.
What you should know
NAFDAC is stepping up its efforts to ensure food safety by warning farmers about the health risks linked to counterfeit agrochemicals.
The agency is also promoting verified agricultural practices that protect both consumers and the environment while improving profitability in the agricultural sector.
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