07 Dec 2014

The Ministry of Agriculture cautions farmers about certain individuals who sell agrochemicals, which are not registered in Botswana, thus violating the provisions of the Agrochemicals Act of 1999.

In a press statement the ministry stated that there were also shops, which were involved in the illicit practice.

The Agrochemicals Act provides for the registration and licensing of agrochemicals; to control or regulate their importation, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal, so as to prevent pollution to the environment or harm to human, plants or animal life.

The statement further stated that it has come to the attention of the ministry that there is a fertilizer known as 20:7:3 NPK, manufactured by TRIOMF in some outlets locally.

“The said fertilizer is not registered in Botswana and therefore selling or distributing it to farmers constitutes an offence punishable by law,” it is stated.

 The ministry also reminds the public that possession, importation, selling or distribution, manufacturing of unregistered agrochemicals is in violation of Section 10 of the Agrochemicals Act.

The farming community is therefore alerted against buying and using such fertilizers as that would pose a serious threat to the environment and human health, since there is no information or data regarding the composition and safety of such fertilizers.

Some of the fertilizers might be distributed to farmers by agrochemical dealers under the ISPAAD programme, the ministry states.

The ministry is cautioning agrochemical dealers and retailers that whoever will be caught, selling or dealing in unregistered agrochemicals the law will take its cause.

Farmers are advised to buy and use registered agrochemicals only and they are advised to seek for help at the local agricultural demonstrator or the nearest Ministry of Agriculture establishment should they encounter any problems.

The list of registered and prohibited agrochemicals can be obtained from the office of the Registrar of Agrochemicals or enquire at 392-8745. ENDS