ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs to unveil a comprehensive long-term plan for the availability of domestic urea in order to ensure sustainable food security and eliminate the recurring shortages.
Khalid Khokhar, President of Kissan Ittehad, says the farmers desire that the government import a minimum of 200,000 tonnes of urea to meet the increasing domestic need. The current annual estimate for urea net consumption is 7,000,000 tonnes. This increase is due to the growing use of fertilizer in cereals and cotton crops as well as the expansion of agricultural lands.
To maintain positive market sentiments and stabilize prices, an additional 200,000 tonnes of urea is required as a buffer stock. The domestic urea production this year barely reached 6.4 million tonnes against an annual demand of 7 million tonnes, which shows that the country may face a shortfall of 600,000 tonnes despite import of 210,000 tonnes of compost in December 2023 and January 2024.
“The significance of urea in agriculture cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil fertility and promoting a robust crop growth. Recognizing the importance of this fertilizer, there is a need to take proactive measures to address the potential shortages that could adversely impact the country’s food security,” said Bilal Iqbal, scientific officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad.
He said the government must develop a long-term strategy for availability of domestic urea in order to ensure food security and prevent the recurring shortages.
“The comprehensive plan must encompass various key elements, including increasing domestic urea production, optimizing distribution channels, and fostering collaboration with the private sector to meet the growing demands. By boosting domestic production, Pakistan can cut its dependence on the imported urea and create a self-reliant and resilient agriculture system,” he added.
Additionally, a nationwide uniform urea price should be implemented to prevent the middlemen from exploiting price differences.
“The exponential increase in the cost of fertilizers is a matter of grave concern for the farming community. This trend has sent shockwaves through the industry, as it poses a significant threat to both food security and economic stability.”
“To address this issue, a multi-pronged approach is urgently needed. Firstly, the government must take immediate steps to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of fertilizers on the farmers. This could involve subsidies or targeted support to ensure that the essential fertilizers remain affordable. Additionally, improvement in energy supply and infrastructure must be prioritized to reduce the production costs for the local fertilizer manufacturers,” he suggested. –INP
