The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Bauchi State office has announced the launch of an intensive media campaign aimed at educating users and sellers of agricultural chemicals on their safe and proper use.
Alhaji Hamis Yahaya, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Bauchi, revealed this during an interview with Voice Of the People (VOP) on Tuesday. He noted that the campaign is timely, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season, a period when the use of agrochemicals typically increases.
Yahaya explained that the campaign aims to enlighten marketers about the importance of sourcing genuine and quality products. He emphasized the dangers of improper storage and handling of agrochemicals, warning that exposure to direct sunlight can degrade these chemicals, reducing their effectiveness and posing serious health risks.
“Exposing chemicals to sunlight can degrade their quality and cause harmful reactions,” he said. “Direct sunlight can lead to loss of efficacy, and interaction with heat may pose serious health risks.”
The coordinator stressed the importance of grassroots education, aiming to equip sellers with knowledge so they can properly guide buyers on the safe use of agrochemicals according to product instructions.
To maximize outreach, NAFDAC plans to collaborate with the Bauchi State Ministry of Information and utilize various communication channels, including local radio stations, to reach rural farmers effectively.
NAFDAC had earlier partnered with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to conduct a sensitization exercise at the Soro Weekly Market in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, targeting major marketers and buyers. The initiative generated valuable feedback on agrochemical use among local farmers.
In addition, Yahaya disclosed that NAFDAC met with the Forum of Agrochemical and Pesticide Dealers in the state to discuss product registration. He urged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to register their products with NAFDAC to ensure legal and safe operations.
“This campaign is a crucial step in promoting agricultural safety, protecting consumers, and preserving the environment,” Yahaya concluded.
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