Online Reporter
Agriculture Specialist Writer
THE Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) have joined forces in a collaborative blitz to tackle the influx of smuggled and counterfeit products in the agriculture sector.
This comes on the backdrop of rampant complaints from registered agro-traders facing unfair competition from unregistered operators reportedly selling cheap smuggled and unregistered products.
The ongoing onslaught started last week and will see those caught on the wrong side of the law being fined amounts ranging from US$100 to US$1 000.
By enforcing compliance, AMA aims to protect all stakeholders in the agro-value chain and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers, processors and consumers.
AMA chief executive officer, Mr Clever Isaya said the authority was working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and penalise non-compliant entities.
“As AMA intensifies its compliance onslaught, agro-players are reminded of their responsibilities under statutory instruments (SI)147 of 2012 and 129 of 2017.
“Of particular concern is the livestock sector, where numerous abattoirs and butcheries have been found operating without proper compliance,” he noted.
Non-compliant players in this sector not only undermine the agricultural economy, but are often linked to illegal activities such as cattle rustling and stock theft. Such practices erode trust and disrupt orderly market operations.
Statutory Instrument 129 of 2017 outlines the Livestock Development Levy, which mandates abattoirs and other players to contribute to the sector’s growth through regulated payments.
These funds are vital for surveillance, prevention and control of animal diseases, research on livestock production and animal health technologies, investments in veterinary infrastructure and promoting sustainable animal husbandry practices.
Compliance ensures the proper utilisation of these levies, fostering a robust and transparent livestock industry.
Mr Isaya said compliance was not limited to the livestock sector but spanned across the entire agro-value chain, including the production, processing and marketing of grains, oilseeds, poultry and dairy products.
AMA has also engaged a team from the PQSI to seize banned imported goods.
The PQSI’s mission is to contribute towards enhanced trade of pest-free agricultural products using the Plant Pests and Diseases Act [Chapter 19:08] and Noxious Weeds Act [Chapter 19:07] among others.
It is involved in inspection and issuance of plant permits for safe movement of plants and plant products without exposing the country to pests and diseases that are trade-related.
daniel chigunwe
