Sub-standard fertiliser bearing brands names of Zimbabwe' fertiliser manufacturing companies has emerged on the market, with dealers selling the bogus commodity on the country’s thriving black market.

The Zimbabwe Gazette news crew yesterday witnessed unscrupulous dealers selling sub-standard fertiliser to unsuspecting farmers bearing Zimbabwe fertiliser Company’ brand name at Mbare Musika in Harare.

"I have just received this consignment and I am an agent of the ZFC here in the capital. The demand for fertiliser is high following the rains, which started last week," said a vendor.

Farmers who have used the fake fertiliser said the application of the product leads to an over abundance of foliage, delayed flowering or plant death. Application of the wrong fertiliser or with the wrong chemical combination can also cause root or leaf burn owing to excess salts in the plant.

The fake fertiliser has also been found to be of cheap quality, wrong type and full of impurities. The fertiliser does not measure up to standards.

The spokesperson urged farmers to desist purchasing fertiliser from undesignated areas.

"Customers are urged to buy fertiliser from reputable dealers. Customers are also strongly urged not to buy from unofficial points,” he added.

The Minister of Agriculture Rugare Gumbo has also warned farmers on the dangers of fake fertiliser that was being sold at exorbitant prices as the shortage of the product continued.

The country's sole fertiliser manufacturers have been failing to meet demand in recent farming seasons, prompting the Government to import the commodity from China.

---

Share This Story On:

Average user rating