ibironkeeniola 
The Federal Government in a bid to safeguard and protect the interest of the entire fertiliser value chain players has kick-started the training of fertilizer quality control inspectors.
According to the government, this move will change the fate of Nigerian farmers who have suffered economic hardship due to the adulteration of fertiliser products.
Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammed Sabo Nanono, made this known in Kano on Monday during the flag-off ceremony to commence a three-day National Training Workshop for Fertilizer Inspectors in Nigeria.
AgroNigeria had earlier reported that the Federal Government in March launched the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act 2019 during a public presentation in Abuja
Nanono during the presentation said that the National Fertiliser Act was aimed at ensuring that farmers get value for every kobo spent on buying fertilisers for their farms.
“The Act seeks to ensure that maximum benefits are derived from each kilogram of fertiliser bought and used by the farmers in terms of nutrient composition and levels,” he added
The minister noted that the enactment of the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act, 2019 was designed to set right the old sharp practices that have limited agricultural productivity in the country.
The law, according to Nanono, was meant to do away with some unwholesome practices like the production and marketing of nutrient-deficient products, adulteration of products, misleading claims, misbranding, short weight, product conversion and diversion among other things.
In a statement issued by Ahmed Aminu, the Technical Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Nanono noted that the workshop for personnel from the North West and North East Geopolitical Zones was designed to acquaint the Fertilizer Inspectors with the relevant provisions of the Act.
The workshop will also build the capacity, technical skills and know-how and abilities needed to handle the daunting task ahead of them professionally, Nanono added.
He further stated, “Based on the provisions of the Act, the Inspectors can enter any premises, factory or warehouse, vehicles, etc to perform their statutory function
“The quality of food that we eat depends on the quality of inputs absorbed or taken up by the plants from the soil
“If such inputs are not properly checked and guided the end products can be injurious and harmful or add no value to our health, the environment and the entire ecosystem”
Nanono, therefore, urged all the value chain players to register and obtain relevant certificates needed to operate their businesses, adhere to required set standards and give maximum support and cooperation to the implementation of the Fertilizer Act by making the task of the Inspectors easy.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA