The Bauchi State office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled plans for a comprehensive media campaign to educate users and traders of agricultural chemicals.
This initiative, according to the agency, is designed to promote the safe handling and proper use of these substances, particularly with the rainy season now underway.
State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Bauchi, Hamis Yahaya, revealed the plan during an interview on Tuesday. He noted that the campaign aims to enlighten chemical marketers on the significance of buying and selling only genuine and high-quality agricultural products. This, he said, will help safeguard public health and enhance agricultural productivity.
Yahaya highlighted that the programme would cover vital topics such as correct storage and display methods for agricultural chemicals. “Exposing chemicals to sunlight can degrade their quality and cause harmful reactions,” he explained. He warned that such exposure could reduce the effectiveness of the products and lead to dangerous health outcomes due to reactions triggered by heat.
The campaign will also focus on educating grassroots communities about the hazards linked to improper disposal of chemical containers. Yahaya stressed the need for sellers to not only adhere to safety guidelines but also guide buyers on correct usage. “We want to educate sellers so they, in turn, will educate buyers on how to use the chemicals properly, strictly following the instructions on product labels,” he said.
To maximise its reach, NAFDAC plans to collaborate with the Bauchi State Ministry of Information and make use of various media outlets, including radio, to target rural farmers. Yahaya said this approach would help ensure that critical safety messages are conveyed to even the most remote farming communities.
Yahaya recalled that NAFDAC had recently carried out a sensitisation exercise in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency at the Soro Weekly Market in Ganjuwa Local Government Area. The event focused on major traders and buyers and provided useful insights into how agricultural chemicals are being used by farmers in the area.
In addition, the agency engaged with the Forum of Agrochemical and Pesticide Dealers in the state to discuss the importance of product registration. Yahaya urged small and medium enterprises to register their products with NAFDAC to ensure compliance with safety standards. “We are encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises to come forward and register their products with NAFDAC so they can operate legally and safely,” he said.
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