IFDC Report, Volume 34, No. 1
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Date
2009-03
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Abstract
This document provides an overview of significant developments in the fertilizer industry in Nigeria and globally. It highlights the reopening of the only urea plant in Sub-Saharan Africa, formerly known as the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON), under the new name Notore Chemical Industries. The plant near the Niger Delta will produce urea and anhydrous ammonia, essential nitrogen-based fertilizers. The transformation of NAFCON into Notore was facilitated by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), which advised on the best approach for reestablishing urea production in Nigeria. The acquisition of NAFCON by Notore occurred as part of the privatization efforts by the Nigerian government. The plant's production capacity, supported by a 20-year natural gas supply contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, is projected to contribute significantly to Nigeria's fertilizer market and meet the demand in West and Central Africa. Additionally, the document introduces FertTrade, a newly developed software tool by IFDC economists designed to analyze and forecast global demand, production, and trade of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer nutrients. FertTrade aims to enhance decision-making in policy changes, technology development, and transfer to improve the performance of the fertilizer and agricultural sectors worldwide. The software's application is expected to contribute to more efficient trade and prevent fertilizer shortages and price fluctuations, thus positively impacting agricultural production. Finally, the document highlights the significance of improving nitrogen use efficiency in developing countries by adopting advanced fertilizer technologies. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency can increase agricultural productivity, reduce environmental pollution, and significantly benefit cereal farmers in developing nations.
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Dairy farming, Nitrogen-use efficiency, Fertilizers