MBS in fertiliser market surveillance, finds cases of non-conformity
Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) says most of the fertilisers on the local market meet prescribed standards despite a few cases of non-conformity that have been detected.
In a statement on Friday after market surveillance and spotchecks that started on October 25, MBS director general Brenard Thole said some of the non-conformity issues include underweight packaging, fertiliser blends with substandard nutrient levels, poor labelling and storage condition as well as products being sold without certification.
“Appropriate corrective and enforcement actions have been taken, including product seizures, stop orders and further investigations to trace the sources of non-conforming products,” he said.
Thole said MBS is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Malawi Police Service and other partners to ensure that all fertilisers entering the market are safe and compliant.
He said MBS is committed to protecting farmers and consumers from substandard fertilisers, adding that continuous market surveillance and spot checks will remain in force throughout the growing season.
In an interview on Friday, Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito welcomed MBS’ action and said it will ensure that there is sanity on the market.
He said as the crop growing season is fast approaching, most farmers are duped into buying fertiliser that is sub-standard and not meeting the correct measurements.
“This is a welcome development and we call upon MBS to enhance its surveillance to ensure that farmers are sold the right fertilisers,” he said.
Malawi’s annual fertiliser consumption is pegged at 400 000 metric tonnes, according to the Fertiliser Association of Malawi.
MBS has since encouraged farmers and consumers to report any suspected cases of fertiliser adulteration through MBS toll-free number 462.
