In a recent development, authorities in Chisamba have uncovered over 138 bags of counterfeit fertilizer, raising serious concerns among residents and agricultural stakeholders in the region. According to Central Province Commissioner of Police, Charity Munganga, two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident. One of the suspects, notably, is a local pastor identified as Sibano Musonda, which has further intensified the public’s reaction to this discovery.
Commissioner Munganga confirmed that the police investigation is ongoing, and both suspects are currently cooperating with authorities to shed light on the origins of the counterfeit fertilizer and the scope of distribution. The bags, labeled as fertilizer, were found to be fake and potentially harmful to crops, posing risks to farmers who rely on genuine agricultural products to support their livelihoods and food production.
Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, has also spoken out, expressing deep disappointment, particularly due to the involvement of a religious leader in the alleged crime. Mwanakampwe emphasized the importance of integrity, especially among community figures trusted by the public. “It is disheartening to see individuals who hold positions of trust participating in activities that harm the community,” he said. He added that such cases jeopardize farmers’ trust in agricultural supplies and highlight the need for stricter regulation and scrutiny of farm inputs in the market.
The discovery of fake fertilizer in Chisamba has drawn attention to the broader issue of counterfeit agricultural products circulating in the region, posing significant challenges for farmers and economic stability in the agricultural sector. Counterfeit fertilizers can lead to lower crop yields, soil degradation, and long-term environmental harm, all of which can undermine Zambia’s agricultural productivity and food security.
The Central Province authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar cases in the future. The incident has also prompted calls for increased vigilance and public awareness to protect farmers and uphold the quality of agricultural inputs in Zambia’s markets.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani