Hangzhou Agrochemicals Holds Sensitisation Workshop for Farmers, Extension Workers in Bauchi

By Zainab Kassim Ibrahim

Hangzhou Agrochemicals Nigeria Limited has organised a one-day sensitisation workshop for agricultural extension workers, farmers, and agro-input dealers in Bauchi State, aimed at promoting modern farming practices and the safe use of agrochemicals to improve crop productivity.

Declaring the workshop closed, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Alhaji Ya’u Muhammad Nasir, commended the organisers for engaging directly with farmers and relevant stakeholders. He explained that before approving the company’s products for use in the state, BSADP subjected them to thorough scrutiny and inquiries, which convinced the agency of their quality and suitability for farmers.

Alhaji Ya’u expressed concern over the increasing circulation of fake and substandard agrochemicals, seeds, and fertilisers in the market, describing them as major challenges confronting farmers. He noted that in some cases, fake labels are placed on inferior products, leading to poor yields and losses, citing onion farming as one of the recent victims of such practices.

He stressed that seeds and agrochemicals remain the two most critical inputs in farming, warning that any compromise in their quality could ruin an entire farming season. According to him, the workshop was timely, as it would help address recurring challenges of pests and crop diseases.

While appreciating the turnout of stakeholders, the BSADP chairman observed low participation of women and encouraged greater inclusion in future engagements. He concluded by offering prayers for safe travels for participants and expressed hope that the knowledge shared would help end persistent pest problems in farms across the state.

Earlier, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad T. Wada, while presenting the company profile, said the workshop was not the company’s first engagement in Bauchi State. He emphasised that modern agriculture requires farmers to embrace innovation, quality inputs, and correct application techniques to achieve optimal yields.

According to him, farming has moved beyond subsistence to a business-driven venture, where farmers must “open their minds” and adopt modern practices to remain competitive. He explained that quality seeds and proper agrochemical usage are essential to increasing productivity, adding that BSADP’s mandate to wipe farmers’ tears aligns with the company’s mission.

Alhaji Shehu further explained that Hangzhou Agrochemicals focuses on educating farmers on the proper use of its products, stressing that misuse of chemicals could lead to health risks, environmental damage, and poor farm outcomes. He warned against unsafe practices such as mixing chemicals with bare hands, improper measurements, and eating immediately after spraying.

He also highlighted the importance of using protective equipment such as caps, boots, trousers, and gloves during spraying, noting that agrochemicals are toxic substances that can harm the human body if mishandled. He advised farmers to always follow instructions, use recommended quantities, and keep chemicals away from children.

Using practical demonstrations, he explained different types of sprayers and their specific uses, noting that incorrect spraying methods often result in ineffective pest control. He described the training as “powerful knowledge” capable of significantly improving agricultural outcomes when properly applied.

On the issue of counterfeit products, Alhaji Shehu warned against the dangers of fake agrochemicals, describing their proliferation as widespread. He said Bauchi State has regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring agro-inputs and expressed confidence that efforts are ongoing to curb the menace. He urged agro-dealers and farmers to report suspected fake products and avoid patronising counterfeit sellers.

He also disclosed that Hangzhou Agrochemicals Nigeria Limited is registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and currently has about 26 registered products. According to him, the company tests its products through free trials before commercial distribution to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ya’u M. Nasir explained that Hangzhou Agrochemicals entered Nigeria with the aim of reducing the hardship faced by farmers. He said the company initially operated from Lagos before relocating its focus to Northern Nigeria, where it partnered with Alhaji Shehu Muhammad T. Wada to expand its reach.

He added that the company now has storage facilities and wide distribution networks, particularly in Kano State, with representatives across Northern Nigeria. He said the company has also engaged legal services to combat counterfeit versions of its products and recently assisted in the arrest of an individual involved in selling fake agrochemicals.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Yusuf Sambo, commended BSADP for bringing farmers together for the workshop. He assured that AFAN would sensitise communities on the importance of purchasing agrochemicals only from registered agro-dealers.

He warned that farmers who patronise unauthorised sources risk bearing full responsibility for any losses incurred. Alhaji Yusuf expressed gratitude to the organisers, noting that participants had gained valuable knowledge that would positively impact farming activities in the state.