Expert seeks enforcement of standard weights to curb sharp practices in Niger markets

An Agricultural Planning, Research and Statistics Officer in Niger State has called for stricter enforcement of standard measurements to protect farmers and buyers from being cheated. During a practical demonstration, Mr Julius Karma highlighted that agricultural commodities are frequently sold using inaccurate weights, with a bag typically labeled as 90 kilograms often containing only 75-80 kilograms.

To compel sellers to comply with standard weights, Karma emphasized that government-backed policies and enforcement are essential. He urged all levels of government to collaborate with market unions and commodity associations to ensure compliance.

According to Karma, individual farmers and processors cannot sustain adherence to standard measurements alone, as other producers, marketers, and traders may continue using unconventional measures. He stressed that enforceable legislation, backed by a robust policy, would ensure buyers receive the exact quantity they pay for, and sellers are compensated for the actual weight supplied. This, in turn, would enhance the credibility of agricultural products, making them more competitive in both local and international markets.

Mrs Elizabeth Yisa, the State VCDP Business, Marketing, and Development Officer, said beneficiaries were expected to become advocates for standard measurements and quality. She added that VCDP could connect compliant beneficiaries with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other relevant entities for product registration and broader market access.

Lawan Mohammed, a representative of the Lavun Local Government Chairman and Director of Agriculture, pledged to educate farmers, processors, and market leaders about standard measurements.

Market union representatives also committed to encouraging producers and processors to adopt standardized weighing scales. Some farmers expressed a lack of knowledge about weighing scales, fearing they might be cheated by traders. However, they called for more extensive sensitization efforts beyond this demonstration and pledged to share the knowledge with other VCDP beneficiaries.

These participants highlighted past instances where farmers were cheated by selling produce without weighing it, and where middlemen later repackaged and resold the commodities at higher prices. They emphasized that standard measurements would safeguard both farmers and buyers, ensuring transactions are based on actual quantities.