Niger farm chemical misuse warning issued as IFAD VCDP cautions farmers on unsafe chemical use and roadside food drying risks affecting public health

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State has issued a strong warning to farmers over the excessive and improper use of agricultural chemicals, citing growing health risks to consumers.

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Critical warning issued was delivered during a sensitisation and advocacy campaign held in Doko, Lavun Local Government Area, focused on discouraging roadside drying of food products and promoting safer food handling practices.

State Business, Marketing and Development Officer of the VCDP, Mrs Elizabeth Yisa, expressed concern that despite repeated awareness campaigns, some farmers continue to misuse chemicals, often applying quantities far above recommended levels in an attempt to accelerate crop growth.

She warned that such practices leave harmful residues in food products even after processing, describing the situation as a serious public health concern.

According to her, unsafe storage and roadside drying of food items further expose consumers to contamination risks, urging farmers to adopt approved methods and hygienic processing environments.

She specifically advised cassava processors to properly fry garri rather than depend on open roadside drying.

Medical concerns were also raised by Nurse Leah Yisa of the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, who warned that prolonged exposure to contaminated food and excessive chemical residues could contribute to severe illnesses, including cancers such as leukaemia and lung cancer.

She stressed that harmful substances accumulate in the body over time, posing long-term health threats that are often difficult to reverse.

Religious leaders who attended the programme, including Pastor David G. and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, pledged to spread the message within their respective communities, urging greater awareness of safe food handling practices.

Farmers present at the event also acknowledged the risks associated with exposing food to unhygienic environments, calling for the revival of local sanitation enforcement teams to ensure compliance with proper food processing standards.

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The programme is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety across agricultural value chains in the state.