The influx of fake and adulterated agro-chemical products on the market is a big concern for agri-businesses, and there has been a call for the collective support of all stakeholders in the agro-chemical industry to overcome this menace.

The development where people continue selling fake products to farmers poses a big challenge particularly to industry players, despite ongoing effort to tackle it; such products flooding the market are part of the reasons for low yields being recorded by farmers across the country.

The use of such chemicals in farming not only affects the finances of farmers due to the low productivity, but also damages the soil’s fertility. The irony of the situation is that some of these products are not imported but produced within the country for use.

The Managing Director of Regional Marketing Group (RMG) Ghana Ltd., an agricultural input and services provider, William Kotey made these remarks in an interview at the official launch of its operations in Ghana and opening of the Company’s Kumasi office.

According to him, it will require regular engagement and education of farmers to enable them to distinguish between a fake and a genuine product when confronted with one.

He has therefore underscored the need for regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce the country’s laws to stop people from bringing such products onto the markets.

RMG Ghana Limited, born out of the partnership between RMG Concept Limited -- a leader in Crop Protection Products (CPP’s) in Africa -- and Wienco Ghana Limited, a leader in the agricultural sector of Ghana, has now commenced full operations in the country with a commitment to bring improvement into the agricultural sector.

With this partnership, RMG Ghana Limited will be responsible for supplying Agro-Inputs while Wienco Ghana Limited focuses on commodities and agricultural production.

The Head of Business, Roland Nii Ayi Quaye, explained that the most appropriate way to ensure food security in Ghana and wealth-creation for farmers is to improve their productivity -- and the best way to achieve this will be to ensure availability of the best and most advanced technology in agriculture to farmers.

He said the products offered by the company come at rates that can meet the expenses of farmers in the country.

“The vision of ensuring the profitability of Ghanaian farmers will still be very much emphasised to improve their productivity.

“The Ghanaian farmer will continue to be offered quality agricultural inputs with much wider choice inputs, and a wider distribution network to improve access to inputs,” a statement released by the company stated.

It further indicated that it will increase its technical capability, and by so doing improve technical and agronomic delivery as best as possible in order that its services to farmers becomes meaningful toward helping them achieve profitability.

In addition to the Kumasi office, RMG Ghana has also established offices in Takoradi, Tamale and Techiman, with the head office in Accra.