Fertiliser Producers in Nigeria Prepare for Planting Season Amid Global Uncertainty
Fertiliser producers in Nigeria have expressed confidence in their readiness for the upcoming planting season. However, they have raised concerns about the potential impact of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East on fertiliser prices and agricultural production.
Abubakar Kassim, President of the Fertilisers Producers Association of Nigeria (FPAN), highlighted that manufacturers had already planned their production schedules before the conflict began. He stated that most members of the association had secured the necessary raw materials to sustain production. “We are getting ready, not only because there is a war, but because the season is about to begin,” Kassim said.
He explained that urea, a key component in fertiliser production, is sourced locally in Nigeria. Even if it were not available domestically, the country has the capacity to produce it. “Even if it is not,” he added, indicating that the local supply chain remains robust.
Despite this, Kassim acknowledged that global market disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis are already affecting fertiliser prices. “Because there is a global crisis, prices have been affected. So to that extent, that will affect fertilizer prices,” he noted.
The producer association has assured the government of its ability to meet demand during the planting season. “We’ve already planned for the season. We have made all our investment plans. We’ve made our production decisions. So it’s not going to affect us anyhow,” Kassim said. However, he warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a continuous rise in fertiliser prices, which would negatively impact farmers.
Kassim pointed out that rising fertiliser costs could exacerbate existing challenges faced by farmers. “Now, that is going to affect farmers. So with all the issues of farming as it is today, now you add that increase in cost of inputs, or maybe let’s say increase in cost of fertilizer. How will that affect production? Will farmers be able to buy?” he asked.
Government Takes Steps to Address Agricultural Challenges
In response to the situation, the Federal Government has established a committee to assess the impact of the Middle East crisis on the agricultural sector. The committee, chaired by the Vice President, includes the Minister of Agriculture. According to Ezeaja Ikemefuna, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, the committee is working on measures to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
Ikemefuna explained, “I think they are still at the committee level, trying to see what measures to take on how to mitigate the effect of the crisis.” While no specific details have been released yet, the government is expected to announce interventions soon.
Calls for Fertiliser Subsidies
Agriculture stakeholders have also urged the government to reintroduce fertiliser subsidies to reduce the burden on farmers and prevent rising food prices. Peter Dama, Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, emphasized the importance of fertiliser in food production.
“Fertiliser is one of the main things we get when it comes to food production. And if that is not subsidized, you will definitely find out that farmers have difficulties in terms of contribution,” Dama said.
He pointed out that many countries support their agricultural sectors through subsidies, particularly for fertiliser. “In terms of harvest and for sale. Again, I have always said it, there is no country in this part of the world that does not subsidize its agriculture, and one of those aspects of subsidy has to do with fertilizer.”
Dama recalled a previous policy in Nigeria that allowed local producers to blend and sell fertilisers at subsidised rates. “The Nigerian government had a policy where they were getting fertilizer, distributing it, giving it to Fertilizer industries in the country, where they would blend and sell at a subsidised rate.”
He called on the government to revive the programme to ease the burden on farmers. “I believe if the government would actually look into that and revert to it, then I think it would go a long way in reducing the cost and hardship of the farmers.”
Timely Delivery of Fertiliser
Dama also stressed the importance of timely delivery of fertiliser to farmers during the planting season. “Fertiliser should be delivered as soon as it is due. Rather than allowing it to only be delivered in case of any subsidy supply after the rains have gone, the farmers have already cultivated and cannot do anything with the fertilizer.”
He emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring successful agricultural output and maintaining food security in Nigeria.
