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- ItemFeeding a Hungry World: The Triumph of Synthetic Fertilizers(2009-09-16) Thomas HagerThis report delves into the historical pursuit of synthetic fertilizers to solve the impending challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population. It explores the contrasting theories of Dr Thomas Malthus and Sir William Crookes regarding population growth and food production. While Malthus predicted a future of starvation due to the limited capacity of food production to keep pace with population growth, Crookes emphasized the crucial role of fertilizers in sustaining agricultural yields. The report highlights the dependency on natural fertilizers, such as guano and nitrate from the Atacama Desert, and the looming depletion of these finite resources. It examines the efforts of early scientists, including Charles Bradley, Sven Birkeland, and Frank Washburn, who attempted to develop methods for synthetic fertilizer production. These pioneers faced high energy requirements, expensive processes, and unsatisfactory end products. Amidst these difficulties, the report focuses on the groundbreaking work of Wilhelm Ostwald, a prominent German chemist. Ostwald proposed a new approach to nitrogen fixation, utilizing pressure rather than heat to drive the reaction. His innovative concept opened up possibilities for the synthesis of ammonia, a crucial component of fertilizers. This report sheds light on the historical context and scientific advancements that paved the way for the development of synthetic fertilizers. It underscores the importance of these fertilizers in sustaining agricultural productivity and meeting the challenges posed by a growing global population. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of ongoing research and innovation in agriculture to ensure food security for future generations.
- 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 39, No. 2(2014) IFDCThis magazine highlights the innovative and scalable solution to agricultural market self-sufficiency developed by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). The article traces the evolution of the Competitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE) methodology, which forms the foundation of the 2SCALE project. By grouping farmers into clusters and connecting them with various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, such as suppliers, processors, and private sector buyers, the project aims to empower farmers and enhance their bargaining power. The article emphasizes the importance of equitable access to market opportunities for the poorest communities in Africa and explores the potential of this approach to create income equity. With over 1,000 private sector firms linked to over 190 agribusiness clusters in 12 countries, the 2SCALE project transforms agriculture in Africa and opens up new social and economic opportunities for farmers. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities for agricultural growth in Africa, including the importance of fertilizer use, rural infrastructure development, and the integration of science and technology in farming practices. The magazine concludes by emphasizing the need for increased private sector involvement and investment in agricultural development to drive sustainable growth in Africa's agriculture sector.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 39, No. 3(2014) IFDCThis report focuses on the role of entrepreneurship in accelerating agriculture productivity improvement. It highlights various initiatives and programs contributing to agricultural development, such as the Albanian Fertilizer and Agribusiness Dealers Association, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme. The report also discusses the importance of integrated soil fertility management, fertilizer sector improvement, and the use of secondary and micronutrients in enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, it examines the impact of climate change on agriculture and emphasizes the need to turn this challenge into an opportunity for sustainable development. The report emphasizes the role of global cooperation and collective action in mitigating climate change and promoting resilient agricultural systems.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 39, No. 4(2014) IFDCThis publication reflects on the four-decade journey of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and its commitment to fostering innovation in addressing global challenges in agriculture. Established in response to the economic turmoil of the mid-1970s, IFDC recognized the need for immediate and innovative action to combat rising oil and food prices. This led to the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC) in 2010, a research initiative aimed at developing novel, affordable, and environmentally friendly fertilizers to nourish plants and people. IFDC's approach acknowledges that novel fertilizers alone cannot solve the complex challenges of climate change and other threats. Therefore, the VFRC collaborates with forward-thinking scientists, nutritionists, policymakers, and educators to develop comprehensive solutions encompassing various aspects of agriculture, including seed technology, access to credit, policy development, nutrition, and education. The publication emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of smallholder farmers and integrating their knowledge into the innovation process. Drawing lessons from historical successes like the "green revolution," the authors highlight the significance of learning directly from farmers and tailoring solutions to local contexts. They emphasize that successful innovation must offer farmers tangible benefits and complement other approaches to ensure sustainable agricultural development. IFDC's work exemplifies the synergy between short-term and long-term solutions. While IFDC focuses on immediate interventions like urea deep placement (UDP), the VFRC explores medium- and long-term strategies such as nitrogen-fixing organisms, root growth enhancers, and improved nutrient packaging. These collaborative efforts strive to move farmers toward sustainable agricultural practices that optimize productivity and environmental stewardship. The publication also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving innovation and achieving meaningful impact. By leveraging PPPs, IFDC has successfully introduced modern production technologies, developed robust agribusiness sectors, and expanded access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and agronomic advice. Looking ahead, the publication emphasizes the critical role of collaborative innovation in addressing future challenges. As the world's climate changes and the global population grows, IFDC and its partners recognize the need to continue igniting the "green revolution" through joint efforts that combine technological advancements, policy reforms, and knowledge sharing.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 40, No. 1(2015) IFDCThis publication highlights the critical role of soil health in agricultural productivity and human well-being. Wendell Berry's perspective on the soil as the "great connector of lives" underscores the need for proper care and investment in soil for sustainable prosperity. The historical context illustrates the long-standing concern over soil degradation and the potential consequences for global food security. Innovative approaches like integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) have successfully replenished lost soil nutrients and boosted crop yields, thereby improving farmers' incomes. Including secondary and micronutrients in the ISFM approach further enhances crop and soil responses. The publication emphasizes the importance of balancing soil nutrition and acknowledges the role of public-private partnerships in developing affordable technologies to meet crop requirements. The urgency to strengthen and nourish the remaining soils is evident with an increasing global population and rapid urbanization. The publication calls for collective efforts from organizations and governments to drive innovations in soil health and ensure a sustainable future for Earth's 2 billion additional inhabitants. Reflecting on the history of IFDC, the publication outlines the organization's mission to develop fertilizer products tailored to tropical soils, emphasizing the importance of improving fertilizer use efficiency and affordability. The article concludes with recent developments in soil research and partnerships to promote fertilizer technologies, such as urea deep placement (UDP) and improved seeds, contributing to increased yields and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By empowering farmers with sustainable agricultural practices, the publication envisions achieving global nutrition security and fulfilling lives for all.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 40, No. 2(2015) IFDCThis magazine explores the critical role of nutrition in achieving sustainable development goals and addresses the issue of hidden hunger that still affects billions of people worldwide. The focus is building healthy food chains by revolutionizing fertilizer technology and shifting from volume to value. The concept of a Nutrient Revolution, similar to the Green Revolution, is introduced to promote the production of nutritious crops. The magazine emphasizes the need for research and development organizations to identify appropriate nutrient needs for different crops and regions. It highlights the importance of secondary and micronutrients in crop growth and presents strategies to address their deficiencies. The transition from a commodity mindset to value-added products in the fertilizer industry is advocated as a solution to improve nutrition and achieve food security. The economic benefits of investing in nutrition-centred fertilizer research and the potential impact on global health and productivity are discussed. The magazine also reflects on the journey and evolution of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in its mission to drive sustainable development through fertilizer research and market strengthening. It also showcases successful projects and initiatives in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, such as adopting innovative farming practices and irrigation techniques. The magazine highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address malnutrition and promote healthy crops for a healthier global population.
- ItemIFDC Magazine, Volume 40, No. 3(2015) IFDCThis magazine explores the remarkable career of Dr Amit Roy, a visionary leader in the development field. Through an insightful interview, we gain valuable insights into his experiences and how they shaped his approach to bringing about change. Dr Roy shares anecdotes from his visits to Albania and Afghanistan, highlighting the transformative power of IFDC's work in these countries. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural landscape of each nation and engaging with local communities to achieve sustainable development. Dr Roy reflects on the evolving nature of the development sector and offers advice to young professionals entering the field. His passion for making a difference and his belief in the power of people are evident throughout the conversation. The article concludes with inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through IFDC's initiatives, reinforcing the impact and importance of their work.
- 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 1, No. 1(1976-02) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and its activities during the year. IFDC, established in 1974, aims to improve fertilizers and fertilizer know-how for developing countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical agriculture, to increase food production. The report highlights the organizational structure of IFDC, including its staff composition and divisional units. It discusses the progress made in establishing temporary offices and laboratories, as well as plans for constructing new buildings on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) property. Funding for IFDC's operations and facility construction is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (AID) and other potential donors. The report also mentions the contracting of work with various countries and organizations, as well as collaboration with TVA and universities to access specialized expertise. The chairman's report emphasizes the importance of IFDC's role in global food production and its integration with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The report further focuses on IFDC's phosphate program, which addresses the utilization of low-grade phosphate ores and the development of effective and economical phosphate fertilizers for tropical and subtropical soils. It emphasizes the need for balanced fertilization programs and the exploration of direct applications of pulverized phosphate rock. Additionally, the report highlights IFDC's involvement in studying China's approach to fertilizer development, particularly in rural small-scale industries, and the potential transferability of their technologies to other developing countries. Finally, the report discusses IFDC's training programs, specifically the development of a fertilizer plant maintenance training program and a fertilizer marketing program. These initiatives aim to enhance knowledge and skills in maintaining production systems and improving marketing strategies in the fertilizer industry.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 1, No. 2(1976-05) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the building program undertaken by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) with the support of a USAID grant. The program comprises three phases: Phase A, Phase B, and Phase C. Phase A includes the construction of a greenhouse, headhouse, laboratories, and offices, scheduled for occupancy by October 1976. Phase B involves the development of a pilot-plant building with associated laboratories and offices, targeted for completion by February 1977. Phase C focuses on completing the main laboratory-office buildings and landscaping, with an estimated completion and occupancy date of March 1978. The IFDC's current staff of 40 people is temporarily housed in two different locations, with plans to retain the temporary facilities until the entire building program is finalized. Brasfield and Gorrie, Incorporated, were awarded the construction contract for Phase A and have already initiated clearing and excavation work. The report also mentions the recent IFDC board meeting, where various topics were discussed and approved, including program activities, auditor's reports, construction contracts, and forming an executive committee. The resignation of Mr Lynn Seeber as IFDC Secretary-Treasurer is noted, and Dr Pendergrass assumes the responsibilities along with his vice chairman role. Furthermore, the publication highlights the research and development efforts of IFDC in fertilizer technology and agronomic practices. It mentions the focus on exploiting indigenous phosphate sources, conducting beneficiation tests on different ores, and studying phosphate rocks' behavior in reagents and soil solutions. Collaborative projects with TVA are mentioned, focusing on supergranule urea production and improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The construction of new facilities for expanding research programs is also highlighted. Additionally, the report discusses IFDC's efforts in accelerating agricultural development, including research in soil fertility, agronomy, economics, and sociology. It mentions ongoing projects related to the direct application of phosphate rock, factors influencing fertilizer use among small farmers, and country case studies to assess the impact of public policy measures. The improvement of fertilizer supply and demand forecasting and analysis of fertilizer sector issues are also mentioned. IFDC's outreach division, responsible for technology transfer, technical assistance, and training, is also discussed. Examples of ongoing projects are provided, such as problem identification in West Africa, technical assistance in Taiwan and Colombia, and plans for expanding outreach efforts. Lastly, the report mentions the addition of a worldwide direct dial teletypewriter exchange service to IFDC's communication system and introduces the IFDEC abbreviation as the organization's name. It concludes by acknowledging the growth of the IFDC family and recent events, including the birth of the first baby within an IFDC family and the successful bulk fertilizer shipment to Ghana.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 1, No. 3(1976-08) IFDCThe material highlights critical topics discussed in the issue, including the IFDC facility's design and engineering, international status, cooperative agreements, progress achieved in the first year of operation, fertilizer development studies, human resource development, factory maintenance courses, outreach activities, and technology transfer. The report begins by emphasizing the flexibility of design and engineering standards applied to the IFDC facility, allowing for expansion and inexpensive remodelling. The construction progress of different phases of the facility is discussed, with Phase A nearly ready for occupancy, Phase B under construction, and Phase C set to be completed in early 1978. The publication highlights the international status of IFDC, with the managing director attending Centers Week in Washington, D.C., and the CGIAR nominating three members to the IFDC Board of Directors. Cooperative agreements with CIAT and IRRI are mentioned, with plans to station IFDC staff at each centre to focus on specific research areas. The report further covers the progress made by IFDC in its first year of operation, including inquiries received, visitors from outside the United States, fertilizer development studies conducted for the ASEAN region and Sahelian countries of West Africa, and the compilation of a world database system on fertilizer technology and use. The publication also mentions ongoing research programs, such as social science research to improve fertilizer decision-making and a fertilizer research program focused on nitrogen and phosphorus effectiveness in tropical and subtropical agriculture. The report then provides an overview of the West Africa Fertilizer Study, discussing significant food deficits, fertilizer use, fertilizer materials, and various supply alternatives analyzed by IFDC. The importance of human resource development is highlighted, including training programs for Bangladeshi engineers in fertilizer factory maintenance conducted in cooperation with TVA's National Fertilizer Development Center (NFDC). The publication concludes with a section on outreach activities, including technology transfer to Asia, involvement in TVA's Technology Demonstration, and the orientation and demonstration of IFDC's world fertilizer database system. The publication also acknowledges the contributions and roles of individuals involved in IFDC's nitrogen program and technical assistance provided to the Taiwan Fertilizer Company.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 1, No. 4(1976-12) IFDCThe publication covers various topics related to phosphorus research, including the progress at IFDC, the utilization of indigenous ores, the global shortage of phosphate rock, and the exploration of new methods for phosphorus fertilizer production. Additionally, it highlights the expansion of the IFDC Board of Directors and the advancements in the organization's building program. The publication summarizes critical research areas such as fertilizer raw materials, rock characterization, upgrading problem ores, evaluation of phosphate rock for direct application, and administrative appointments within IFDC. The publication also provides information on upcoming seminars and the establishment of regional coordinators for Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Overall, this report offers a glimpse into the valuable research and developments in phosphorus-related studies and the efforts of IFDC to improve global food production.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 10, No. 1(1985-03) IFDCThis report highlights the advancements in developing the PHILPHOS beneficiation plant, which aims to utilize indigenous phosphate ore for fertilizer production in the Philippines. The project, initiated in 1981, addresses challenges related to the high magnesium, iron, and aluminium content of the Bantigue phosphate rock, which hinders its use in phosphoric acid production. Through extensive laboratory tests and pilot-scale attrition scrubbing, the quality of the Bantigue rock has been improved, resulting in a concentrate that meets commercial standards. Additionally, tests were conducted to determine the compatibility of the beneficiated Bantigue rock with commercial concentrates for phosphoric acid production. The findings provided the basis for PHILPHOS' decision to establish a large-scale production facility using manual sorting, scrubbing, and desliming. With readily available equipment and a simple process developed by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the PHILPHOS beneficiation plant is set to achieve a rapid startup with minimal capital investment.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 10, No. 2(1985-06) IFDCThis report discusses various initiatives by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to tap into the valuable resource of phosphate rock deposits for fertilizer production. The article highlights a 3-week training program conducted by IFDC, which brought together participants from 19 countries to explore developing and using indigenous phosphate deposits. The program included presentations, case studies, group discussions, and practical demonstrations. The participants also sent samples of phosphate ores from their countries for analysis and evaluation. The article further showcases the successful utilization of Mussoorie phosphate rock in India, which has helped reclaim acidic soils and increase crop yields, saving millions of dollars in foreign exchange. Additionally, the article discusses ongoing research on urease inhibitors to reduce nitrogen losses from urea fertilizer. The IFDC, in collaboration with other scientists, is working on synthesizing and evaluating a new group of inhibitors for improved nitrogen use efficiency. The article emphasizes the potential benefits of these inhibitors in reducing ammonia losses and increasing rice yields, contributing to food security in developing countries. The research involves laboratory, greenhouse, and field evaluations to develop effective and stable inhibitors for practical application.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 10, No. 3(1985-09) IFDCThis report discusses the development of a USG (urea supergranules) dispenser with a transplanting guide for hand-deep placement of urea fertilizer during rice transplanting. The goal of this research by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is to provide affordable technology applicable to developing countries. Deep placement of USG has been proven efficient in increasing rice yields and reducing nitrogen requirements. The report describes the design and operation of the dispenser, highlighting its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness. Preliminary trials conducted in India show a significant reduction in labour required for deep placement and potential benefits such as protection of USG from rain and floodwater and minimal disturbance to the transplanted seedlings. The report also emphasizes the need for affordable briquettes to produce USG as a complementary technology. Further trials and demonstrations will transfer this technology to small-scale rice farmers. The report highlights the potential impact on rice production in developing countries.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 10, No. 4(1985-12) IFDCThis report highlights the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), hosted by the IFDC Century Club, a local support group. Dr John A. Hannah, the original and then Chairman of the IFDC Board of Directors, reminisced about the organization's beginnings and its goals for the future. The report emphasizes the role of IFDC in increasing food production and alleviating hunger in countries facing agricultural challenges. Dr Hannah's speech acknowledged the accomplishments of the first decade. It emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to address the challenges faced by countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Mali, Niger, and several African nations. He highlighted the crucial role of agriculture and fertilizer in improving food production and nutrition and praised IFDC's research, training, and technical assistance programs for helping countries achieve self-sufficiency and even become food exporters. Additionally, the report features the long-running Bangladesh project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which focuses on improving fertilizer marketing and distribution. It outlines the efforts made by IFDC to enhance fertilizer availability and efficiency in Bangladesh, a country with significant agricultural potential but facing challenges due to population growth and environmental factors. Furthermore, the report discusses the impact of IFDC's project in Colombia, which has increased sales and usage of locally produced phosphate fertilizers. Colombian farmers have recognized the effectiveness and affordability of these fertilizers compared to imported alternatives, resulting in improved crop yields and benefits for various agricultural sectors.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 11, No. 1(1986-03) IFDCThis report highlights the use of computer-aided design in developing rotary dryers for fertilizer manufacturing. The delicate nature of urea-based fertilizers poses challenges for conventional drying methods, requiring lower temperatures and longer drying periods. Math H.G. Jennekens, a fertilizer technologist at IFDC, has developed a computer program that provides fertilizer manufacturers with essential information regarding the requirements and cost-effectiveness of producing urea-based NPK fertilizers. The program calculates heat and material balances, determines necessary modifications, and calculates equipment size. The program has been successfully tested and is available for use by interested parties.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 11, No. 2(1986-06) IFDCThis report summarizes the outcomes of the African Workshop on Fertilizer Sector Development, which aimed to improve the cost-effectiveness of various components of national fertilizer sectors in Africa. The workshop brought together senior-level administrators from 18 African countries to formulate action guidelines for enhancing the efficiency of yield-increasing technology transfer, involving farmers in problem-solving, and integrating research, extension, and marketing in successful fertilizer programs. The delegates identified constraints to fertilizer marketing, such as low margins, transportation, and financing, and proposed solutions to develop a cost-effective marketing system. Additionally, they addressed problems hindering efficient fertilizer use by farmers, including high marketing costs and inadequate information. They recommended overcoming these challenges through an integrated fertilizer marketing, research, and extension system. The report highlights the perspectives of delegates from various countries, including Kenya and Sudan, who shared their experiences, ideas, and plans for implementing workshop recommendations in their respective nations. Furthermore, the report mentions a 2-day field tour in the southern United States, where delegates visited catfish farms, extension programs, and research stations to gather insights applicable to African crops. The workshop's success was attributed to the participation of internationally renowned agricultural experts and the support of organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme. The report also briefly discusses a separate project conducted in Bangladesh, which focused on improving fertilizer distribution and affordability for farmers. Lastly, the report outlines a fertilizer sector study conducted in Cameroon, which proposed an integrated marketing and supply system to address existing constraints. It suggests transferring the management of the subsidized fertilizer sector to self-supporting commercial organizations, establishing an efficient marketing system, and prioritizing government-wide policies related to soil fertility research, subsidy reduction, and improved crop production and marketing.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 11, No. 3(1986-09) IFDCThis report highlights the establishment of the IFDC-Africa Center, an initiative by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to enhance its presence and promote agricultural development in the tropics and subtropics of Africa. The Government of Togo has played a crucial role by providing land and granting international immunities and privileges to support the centre's establishment. Plans are underway to secure donor support for infrastructure development and staffing to station staff in Togo by 1987. The IFDC-Africa Center, located near the Togolese phosphate mine and port facilities, focuses on technology research and development, training, and technical assistance in collaboration with national and international stations. The center's objectives include addressing constraints to fertilizer use, promoting the utilization of indigenous resources as fertilizers, and filling personnel needs in the fertilizer sector. The report also announces the appointment of Dr Paul L.G. Vlek as the Director of the IFDC-Africa Center and highlights his experience and contributions to IFDC's research programs. Additionally, it mentions the new leadership in the Agro-Economic Division and the acquisition of a patent on urease inhibitors, which can help reduce nitrogen loss in agricultural soils. The report concludes by discussing the completion of a fertilizer distribution plan in Indonesia, outlining the challenges and projections for fertilizer movement in the country over the next decade.