2010 IFDC Annual Report
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Date
2011
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Abstract
This report highlights the efforts of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to extend the adoption of Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP)/UDP (Urea Deep Placement) technology in several impoverished countries in Asia and Africa. With a particular focus on Bangladesh, where rice cultivation dominates, implementing FDP/UDP technology addresses food security challenges, rural income growth, and resource conservation. By enabling farmers to achieve higher rice yields with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application, UDP technology contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by significantly reducing nitrogen losses compared to conventional fertilizer techniques. This innovative approach benefits farmers, the environment, and the economy. Supported by funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Bangladesh, and the European Union, IFDC has collaborated closely with the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers, and the private sector to increase farmer awareness and use of UDP technology. IFDC has also facilitated the establishment of a micro-enterprise supply system to provide farmers with access to high-quality fertilizer known as Guti urea. IFDC's efforts in Bangladesh have been highly successful, with over 500,000 farmers adopting UDP technology through various projects. Using UDP has resulted in a substantial increase in rice production, individual income growth, and significant cost savings for the government. Furthermore, IFDC's projects in Bangladesh have significantly contributed to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). In addition to Bangladesh, IFDC has also implemented successful projects in the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on agribusiness development and land reclamation, and in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, aiming to improve farmers' access to modern agricultural inputs and technologies. Through capacity-building activities, training programs, and market linkages, IFDC has facilitated the establishment of agro-dealer networks and improved productivity and economic returns for smallholder farmers in these countries. Overall, IFDC's initiatives demonstrate the potential of FDP/UDP technology and its positive impact on agricultural productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods in developing countries. These efforts contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and the promotion of gender equity, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability in these regions.
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Sustainability, Technology, Agricultural policies