Islamabad.- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and the U.S. Department for Agriculture (USDA) convened a one-day symposium on the Public-Private Partnership to Manage Soil Fertility in Pakistan. The objective of the symposium was to highlight the significance of balanced fertilization and to create awareness among fertilizer industry, farmers, academia and agriculture extension workers on the importance of balanced fertilization in food security and sustainable agriculture.

The symposium brought together approximately 45 participants from the Agricultural Services Departments of Fertilizer Industry, Punjab and Sindh Government Agriculture Extension Departments, Research and Agricultural Information Departments, Farmers Associates, International Potash Institute- Switzerland, Academia, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FAO to share experiences, case studies, initiatives and ideas on the public-private partnership to manage soil fertility.

The Chief Guest on the occasion H.E. Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security and Research said that “the excessive use of fertilizers have created unfavorable balance of nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the soils. This imbalance in the nutrients has emerged as a major contributor in the decline and degradation of crop production and soil fertility in the country”.

Talking on the occasion, FAO Representative to Pakistan Mr. Patrick T. Evans shared that “FAO is working on a baseline atlas of current soil fertility practices, disaggregated by farm size and cropping systems in Pakistan. The atlas will help to understand required soil fertility management changes for sustainable intensification. Consequently, appropriate balanced inputs and “4Rs” - Right fertilizer at the Right rate at the Right time in the Right place, would be promoted in partnership with the private sector, including national fertilizer companies, wholesalers/retailers and farmer associations”.

A significant yield gap exists between potential and the actual yields in Pakistan. This presents an opportunity for increased production to ensure food security in the country. The symposium will contribute to find out ways for improving and managing soil fertility by involving farmers for better nutrient management while intensifying agricultural production. [END]

For more information and media assistance pleases contact:

Mahira Afzal, Communication Officer, FAO Pakistan, Cell: +92 346 8544 197, e-mail: [email protected]