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Browsing Miscellaneous by Subject "Briquettes"
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- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 39, No. 1(2014) IFDCIFDC Magazine commemorates the International Fertilizer Development Center's (IFDC) 40-year journey in advancing agricultural production and fertilizer technologies. Founded in 1974, IFDC's mission was rooted in the National Fertilizer Development Center's (NFDC) work under the United States Tennessee Valley Authority. Initially focused on South America and Asia, IFDC successfully addressed nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, contributing to food security in developing nations. As its influence expanded across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, IFDC evolved beyond fertilizer development, fostering national and regional input supply chains and empowering smallholder farmers through access to markets and professionalization. This magazine explores IFDC's history, decade by decade, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future opportunities in international agricultural development. With a firm belief in innovation, IFDC emphasizes the role of fertilizer technology advancements in feeding the projected global population of 10 billion by 2050. By leveraging sustainable agricultural practices, pro-agriculture policies, and public-private partnerships, IFDC envisions a future that protects the environment, combats climate change, enhances nutrient use efficiency, and improves human health. Through informative articles, IFDC Magazine aims to inspire and guide future work in international agricultural development, fostering a food-secure world for future generations.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 40, No. 4(2015) IFDCThis magazine focuses on the critical role of market linkages in agricultural development, an aspect often overshadowed by discussions on soil fertility, environmental sustainability, and innovation. By emphasizing the importance of connecting farmers with viable markets, the magazine highlights the need to shift from subsistence agriculture to building thriving agricultural businesses. The article emphasizes that feeding a growing global population and ensuring food security requires increasing food production and establishing sustainable market systems. Critical factors for successful market development include surplus crop production, reliable infrastructure, and favourable policy environments. The magazine showcases initiatives and projects by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in various regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Mozambique, that aim to strengthen market linkages, improve yields, and empower smallholder farmers. It underscores the crucial role of vibrant markets in supporting farmers, increasing their incomes, and supplying society's basic needs. By addressing market access challenges and promoting innovative approaches, the magazine highlights the significance of strong market linkages for achieving social, economic, and environmental stability in the agricultural sector.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 12, No. 4(1987-12) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the work and progress at the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) regarding developing and testing small-scale briquettes for producing Urea Supergranules (USG). The briquettes project, conducted in collaboration with the Metal Industries Development Centre (MIDC) of the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, CSR, and IFDC, aimed to modify and test village-level briquettes initially designed in China. The report highlights the technical and economic feasibility of fabricating the machine in Indonesia, including the conversion costs of producing USG from different urea forms. The study demonstrates that the briquettes are affordable for Indonesian farmers and those in other developing countries, with conversion costs of USG found to be less than 10% higher than the current cost of prilled urea. The report also emphasizes the advantages of using village-level briquettes, such as their versatility in using a wide range of fertilizer products, user-friendliness, and potential cost savings for farmers. Future plans involve tailoring the machine to market conditions, establishing mass production mechanisms, and conducting pilot tests in collaboration with national institutions. Overall, the project represents a successful technology transfer and highlights the potential for improving fertilizer accessibility and affordability in developing countries.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 16, No. 4(1991-12) IFDCThis report discusses the participation of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in a study sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on agricultural inputs in Albania. The study focused on the production, distribution, and marketing of fertilizer and other critical agricultural inputs following the breakup of cooperative farms and the redistribution of land to individual farmers. The report highlights the collapse of the planned system for supplying agricultural inputs to state farms and cooperatives, particularly in the case of fertilizers. It emphasizes the urgent need for establishing fertilizer marketing, distribution, and credit systems to support small farmers. The report also underscores the critical role of fertilizer in restoring and maintaining agricultural output in Albania. The recommendations include launching a major fertilizer marketing and distribution effort, conducting technical and economic appraisals of fertilizer factories, and providing cost-effective production and pollution reduction assistance. The publication also briefly mentions other IFDC developments, such as collaborative arrangements with international agricultural research centers, donor meetings, and opportunities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 6, No. 3(1981-09) IFDCThis report presents the findings of an appraisal conducted by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) team at the request of the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe. The group visited Zimbabwe from June 5-15 to gain firsthand insights into the country's fertilizer industry and assess potential alternatives. The report provides an overview of Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, comprising commercial agriculture and tribal trust lands (TTLs). It highlights small-scale farmers' challenges in the TTLs, including low input and production levels, limited infrastructure, and population growth. The team observed that a significant portion of land in both commercial and TTL sectors remains underutilized. Introducing irrigation in low-rainfall areas could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and support a larger population. However, Zimbabwe stands out as one of the few African countries currently capable of feeding itself and exporting crops. The country's soils are suitable for cultivating a wide variety of high-yielding crops, and approximately 75% of the population directly or indirectly relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. During their visit, the IFDC team interacted with various stakeholders, including Chief Seke and saving clubs in Seke TTL. They also visited commercial farms and fertilizer companies, noting the well-managed practices, advanced technologies, and high yields achieved on these farms. The report emphasizes the growing demand for fertilizers, surpassing local production capacities in recent years. While Zimbabwe has been self-sufficient in superphosphate and ammonium nitrate production, fertilizer imports have accounted for significant consumption. The report stresses the need for substantial investment in expanding local fertilizer production to reduce reliance on imports. Furthermore, the report suggests developing a long-term fertilizer sector plan that aligns with Zimbabwe's agricultural goals. It also proposes low-capital interim projects to address immediate needs. The absence of distributors and dealers is highlighted, as fertilizers are sold directly to farmers at factory gates, with cooperatives financing purchases. The findings of this report provide valuable insights into Zimbabwe's fertilizer industry and its growth potential. They serve as a foundation for further discussions and actions to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development in Zimbabwe.