“ZCSA alerts farmers on fake fertilizers”
… Hatyoka says fraudulent products designed to deceive farmers have been uncovered in anticipation of the 2024/2025 farming season.
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (11-08-2024) —The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has issued a stern warning to farmers across the country to exercise caution when purchasing fertilizers, amid growing concerns over the circulation of substandard products that could harm crop yields and adversely impact the economy as the 2024/2025 farming season approaches.
Brian Hatyoka, Acting Manager for Communications and Public Relations at ZCSA, informed Zambia24 that a joint operation conducted by ZCSA officers and other state agencies in Lusaka’s Barlastone area revealed a company packaging a mix of black soil and lime in bags branded with the name of a well-known fertilizer supplier.
Hatyoka alleged that the company intended to distribute this counterfeit product to unsuspecting farmers in Lusaka and Eastern Provinces.
“The fraudulent product has been restricted as investigations continue,” said Hatyoka in a statement issued to the press.
He emphasized the importance of using only high-quality fertilizers to ensure productive farming, particularly during the critical planting season.
Fertilizer plays a critical role in increasing crop productivity, ensuring good yields, and contributing to the country’s food security.
Through enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth, fertilizers help crops become resilient against harmful pathogens, pests, and weeds.
This makes the regulation of fertilizer essential to safeguarding agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Hatyoka further stated that it is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of fertilizer to obtain authorization from ZCSA to legally supply their products on the market.
Additionally, Hatyoka said fertilizer retailers are required to be registered with the Agency. Non-compliant fertilizers, those failing to meet the prescribed standards or lacking proper labeling, will be seized and withdrawn from the market to protect consumers, the economy, and the environment.
As the country prepares for the 2024/2025 farming season, Hatyoka urged farmers to buy fertilizer only from recognized, regulated, and reputable outlets or distributors.
“Farmers should opt for familiar brands or those traceable to registered manufacturers or importers to ensure good crop yields. Quality-conscious purchasing will help avoid the risks of poor crop yields associated with unsafe or inappropriate fertilizers,” he advised.
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating fertilizers under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
The Agency ensures that fertilizers comply with the relevant Zambian Compulsory Standards, including ZS 327 (Blended Fertilizers), ZS 431 (Compound Fertilizers), ZS 605 (Fertilizers – Urea), ZS 606 (Fertilizers – Ammonia Nitrate), ZS 607 (Fertilizers – Calcium Ammonia Nitrate), and ZS 608 (Fertilizers – Ammonia Sulphate).
Hatyoka reiterated that ZCSA is responsible for ensuring that fertilizers meet the requirements set out in the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
According to him, manufacturers and importers must secure approval from the Agency before their products can be legally sold, and retailers are also required to register with ZCSA.
“Any fertilizer found to be non-compliant, whether due to substandard content or improper labeling, will be seized to protect consumers and safeguard the environment,” he warned.
He urged farmers to purchase fertilizers from trusted and certified outlets, advising that choosing well-known brands or those traceable to registered manufacturers helps prevent the risks associated with inferior products.
He also encouraged farmers and consumers to report any suspicious fertilizers, particularly those that appear to be mixed with unknown substances or that do not meet packaging and labeling standards.
“Reports can be made at ZCSA offices in provincial centers, border posts, or the Head Office in Lusaka,” Hatyoka explained, urging the farming community to remain vigilant.
Hatyoka also announced that ZCSA plans to issue regular advisories on approved fertilizer brands and authorized retail outlets to keep consumers informed.
“This initiative is part of ZCSA’s broader efforts to uphold public safety, health, and environmental standards across various sectors,” he stated.