STANDARDS BODY MONITORS FERTILIZER ON THE MARKET

By Noel Iyombwa

THE Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has announced its plan to conduct market surveillance on fertilizer ahead of the 2024/2025 farming season to ensure that it meets the requirements of compulsory standards.

ZCSA Board Chairperson Ian Mupeta said the Agency wants to ensure fertilizer that does not meet compulsory standards is off the market.

Mr. Mupeta urged farmers to buy fertilizer from recognized, regulated, and reputable outlets or distributors to be assured of a good crop yield.

He added that consumers must also report to ZCSA any suspicious fertilizer, including acts such as illegal mixing of fertilizer with other materials or chemicals by unscrupulous individuals.

He was speaking when selected ZCSA Board members, management and staff paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo in Ndola yesterday.

And Mr. Kasongo challenged ZCSA to raise public awareness of its functions.