“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.
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 sub-standard 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 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 stated.
Hatyoka emphasized the importance of using only high-quality fertilizers to ensure productive farming, particularly during the critical planting season.
“Fertilizer is crucial for boosting crop yields and sustaining food security in the country. It’s vital that only products meeting our strict standards are available to farmers,” Hatyoka added.
He 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 Hatyoka, 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,” Hatyoka 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.