FAO advocates for the Right fertilizer at the Right rate at the Right time in the Right place (“4Rs”)
Sahiwal (Pakistan) – To highlight the significance of balanced fertilization and soil health in sustainable agriculture and food security, a one-day workshop was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), the U.S. Department for Agriculture (USDA) and International Potash Institute (IPI).
The workshop on the “contribution of balanced use of fertilizers towards food security” promoted use of appropriate balanced inputs and 4Rs (Right fertilizer at the Right rate at the Right time in the Right place) Nutrient Stewardship in partnership with the private sector, including fertilizer and seed companies (FFC, Engro, ICI, and Pioneer Seeds Limited), wholesalers/retailers, farmer associations and academia.
Dr. Nisar Ahmad- Former Chief NFDC, Planning Commission of Pakistan speaking at workshop, emphasized on significance of 4R Nutrient Stewardship for sustainable agricultural intensification in the country with special reference to maize production.
The workshop brought together more than 70 participants from the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, National Fertilizer Development Center (NFDC), provincial agricultural Maize & Millet Research Institute, information and extension departments, academia, fertilizer industry, farmer associations, ICI, seed companies, research institutes and FAO to share experiences, case studies and initiatives. The participants of workshop also assessed use of fertilizer management practices at farm-gate level with special focus on maize.
Invited speakers from public and private sectors discussed fertilizer use practices, impact on crop productivity and environment. Maize growers also expressed their concerns about the commodity prices. It was noted that farmers are keen to adopt 4Rs; however, increasing cost of fertilizer and their commodity prices are the prime concerns. It was suggested that information on 4Rs should be compiled, synthesized, and disseminated to farming communities. Overall role of FAO in bringing together farmers, commodity experts and academia was appreciated by the participants.
FAO is currently working on a baseline atlas of current soil fertility practices, disaggregated by farm size and cropping systems in Pakistan, Dr Waqar Ahmad, Soil Expert of FAO, told the participants. The atlas will help to understand required soil fertility management changes for sustainable intensification. Consequently, appropriate balanced inputs and 4Rs would be promoted. Briefing the participants on the objectives of the workshop and FAO’s role in promoting 4Rs. He highlighted the significance of fertilizer use assessment at farmer gate level, and the important role of public-private sectors to enhance quality produce.
FAO is conducting a series of such workshops across the country to promote use of balanced fertilizers and 4Rs. Similar workshops have been conducted in Multan, Karachi and Lahore for cotton, mango and rice growers.
4R Nutrient Stewardship represents an innovative approach to fertilizer best management practices (BMPs). The 4Rs imply there are four aspects to every fertilizer application and it provides a framework to assess whether a given crop has access to the necessary nutrients. Asking “Was the crop given the right source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place?” helps identify opportunities to improve fertilizer efficiency and prevent nutrient movement from each field.