Over 600 fake fertilizer bags seized

Authorities have uncovered more than 600 counterfeit fertilizer bags, prompting the government to warn the public against buying fake agricultural inputs.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development says the counterfeit Fertilizer was packaged in ETG-branded bags, raising concerns that unsuspecting farmers could suffer poor harvests and financial losses if the products reach the market

In a statement signed by Secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Erica Maganga, the Ministry said the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) confirmed that the products were fake or adulterated.

According to the Ministry, counterfeit fertilisers often contain inadequate nutrients, are frequently mislabeled or tampered with, posing a serious threat to agricultural productivity, food security, soil health and farmers’ livelihoods.

“Counterfeit fertilizers often contain inadequate nutrients, are frequently mislabeled or tampered with, and pose a serious threat to agricultural productivity, food security, soil health and farmers’ livelihoods,” reads part of the statement.

The Ministry has urged farmers to buy fertiliser only from licensed agro-dealers and verify that the packaging bears the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) certification mark, registration number, batch number, and manufacturing and expiry dates. Farmers have also been advised to avoid products sold at unusually low prices or those with poor-quality packaging or abnormal physical characteristics.

Maganga said the Ministry has intensified inspections and enforcement operations and will take firm legal action against individuals and organisations involved in the production, distribution or sale of counterfeit fertilisers.

The Ministry has also called on farmers, agro-dealers and the general public to report suspected counterfeit fertilisers, including biofertilisers, by providing photographs of the product and packaging, details of the seller and proof of purchase where available.

Maganga said protecting farmers from counterfeit agricultural inputs is essential to safeguarding soil fertility, maintaining crop yields and strengthening Malawi’s agricultural sector.