Russia’s participation in war against Ukraine deal...

Russia’s participation in war against Ukraine deals blow to availability of fertiliser

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Audrey Galawu

Sanctions on Russia, bad weather and export cuts have fuelled a severe fertiliser shortage that has farmers scrambling despite good rains being experienced in most parts of the country.

According to National Competitiveness Commissioner Brighton Shayanewako, global disruptions and domestic challenges faced by fertiliser producing companies including Sable Chemicals contributes to the disruption of supply.

“The fertiliser manufacturing industry has been experiencing challenges, weighing on competitiveness, resulting in declining output and its contribution to economic growth and development.

“In addition, competitiveness of the local fertiliser industry is undermined by the prevailing macroeconomic conditions characterised by high inflation of 268.8% as of October 2022, high cost of borrowing averaging 200% and foreign currency shortages to import critical inputs such as potash and ammonia gas,” NCC said.

Russia is the world’s largest exporter of fertilisers, accounting for 23% ammonia, 14% urea, 10% processed phosphate, and 21% potash.

Young Collective Farmers Chairperson for the southern region Mr Clive Munakandafa said farmers should adopt organic farming systems.

“As farmers, whether small or large scale, we have faced supply side challenges due to the on-going war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. These shortages have affected the productivity and profitability of our activities due largely to skewed pricing of fertilisers owing to high demand and lower supply volumes.

“However, as young farmers collective we have been advocating for a substitution approach to ease that pressure.

“The use of organic fertilisers especially in horticulture has helped farmers maintain their margins whilst growing healthier crops particularly those who are farming for export markets,” he said.

The Commission recommended the establishment of an independent Zimbabwe Fertiliser Manufacturers Association (ZFMA), privatisation of the primary producers to attract investment in new technologies and streamline regulations along the fertilizer value chain.

Sable Chemical Industry is the top producer of Ammonium Nitrate which is used as a top-dressing fertiliser. A raw material in the production of compound fertilisers has been falling to access adequate foreign currency of US$500 000 per month on the auction markets