The Bauchi State office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is set to roll out an intensive media campaign aimed at educating users and sellers of agricultural chemicals on proper practices, especially during the rainy season.
Hamis Yahaya, NAFDAC's State Coordinator, disclosed the initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday. He emphasized the need to raise awareness about the importance of purchasing genuine and quality agrochemical products.
> "Part of the programme will address key issues such as the proper storage and display of agricultural chemicals in markets," Yahaya said, warning that exposure to sunlight can degrade chemicals, reducing their efficacy and creating potential health risks.
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The campaign will also focus on grassroots education, especially on the proper disposal of chemical containers and safe usage in line with product guidelines. Sellers will be trained to further educate buyers on appropriate use.
To ensure broad outreach, NAFDAC plans to partner with the Bauchi State Ministry of Information and utilize multiple communication channels, including local radio stations, to reach rural farmers effectively.
Earlier sensitisation activities, including one at the Soro Weekly Market in Ganjuwa LGA in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), yielded valuable feedback from farmers and sellers on current practices.
In addition, Yahaya revealed that NAFDAC has engaged with the Forum of Agrochemical and Pesticide Dealers in Bauchi to promote product registration and ensure that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operate within regulatory guidelines.
> "We encourage SMEs to come forward and register their products with NAFDAC so they can operate legally and safely," he added.
The campaign highlights NAFDAC's commitment to ensuring the safe use of agricultural inputs in line with public health and environmental safety standards.
