Niger state has raised alarm over the consumption of aflasafe products by some residents across the capital and its environs, warning that the consumption of it can lead to liver cancer.
This is in reaction to reports that some residents are buying aflasafe products, a bio-technological innovation designed to address the prevalence of Aflatoxins, for consumption as they apparently mistook it for a cheaper version of guinea corn.
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The Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Yakubu Bello conducted a sensitization programme to sensitize the people and stakeholders about Aflasafe and the danger of consuming the product.
He said that although the government has put up several announcements regarding the dangers of consuming Aflasafe, there is a need for the people to know what the pesticide contains and how it is dangerous to their lives.
“There is tension among Nigerlites, we want to know why Aflasafe which is supposed to be a pesticide is now being consumed. We invited the producers of the product here to tell us why people think they should consider this product,” he said.
Bello stated that security is on alert to arrest those who are selling the poisonous product as foodstuff to the public.
He said that the state government, in line with its agenda for agricultural revolution would partner with the IITA and Harvestfield to boost the usage of Aflasafe by farmers as the product is climate-friendly and sustainable for farmers.
He explained that the Ministry is meeting with stakeholders to strategize the right way to sell it and to send the stakeholders to their various communities to sensitize their members about the contents of Aflasafe and how it is dangerous for consumption.
A food safety scientist with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Titilayo Falade explained that the Aflasafe was developed by the IITA to address the challenges posed by Aflatoxins which are the most poisonous natural toxins known to man.
“Aflasafe is a solution that prevents exposure to aflatoxins in our diets. It’s a nature-based solution, green technology, and eco-friendly. It is applied 30 to 40 days after planting crops, once it is broadcasted on the field and the field gets mixture, the natural organisms that have been coated onto the sorghum grain can go into the farm and offer protection to crops pre-harvest.
“Aflasafe prevents accumulation of Aflatoxins pre-harvest and continues to provide protection post-harvest as exposure of aflatoxins starts pre-harvest and continues post-harvest. It also reduces exposure of consumers and animals to these dietary toxins.”
Falade also reiterated that chronic exposure to Aflatoxins in a person’s diet could lead to liver cancer, and reduces immunity.
The Chief Operating Officer of Harvestfield, Dr. Abdullahi Ndarubu appealed to the state government to consider Aflasafe as a key agricultural input for farmers in the state due to its benefit for crop vitality and in the long run, the productivity of farmers in Nigeria.
He recommended the inclusion of Aflasafe among all products procured under subsidy by the state government.
