Updates are grim around the globe on the crises for farming caused by the disruptions to fuel, fertilizer, and ag chemicals, worsening by the day in terms of high prices and shortages. Examples are below.
On April 13, the United Nations announced that a diplomatic drive was underway to get approval for fertilizer cargo to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In recent times, one-third of the world’s urea would pass through the Strait. Hardest hit by the disruption are certain nations in Asia and Africa, including Thailand and Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
United States. A survey was released April 15, reporting that 70% of all U.S. farmers say they cannot afford all the fertilizer they had planned for this crop season. In the South, it’s nearly 80% of farmers, and especially for rice, peanuts, and cotton. The survey was made by the American Farm Bureau Federation, from April 3-11, with more than 5,700 farmers responding.
Indonesia. Reassurance was given April 15 by Dep. Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, who announced that, despite global disruptions, domestic “needs can be met” at present, for nitrogenous fertilizer. He announced the tonnages of urea on hand. Meantime, the government is seeking to diversify imports from many countries, to get phosphate and potassium. With the fourth-biggest population in the world, Indonesia proudly achieved national self-sufficiency last year in rice, whose yields are very dependent on sufficient fertilizer. The situation was discussed by President Prabowo Subianto with President Putin in Moscow this week. Indonesia has a jet fuel crisis. People have been asked to work from home where possible, among other contingencies.
* Ireland. Mass protests by farmers and truckers against the impossible prices and hold-ups in supplies of fuel, fertilizer and other necessities have continued since April 7. The government of Prime Minister Michael Martin passed a no-confidence vote April 14, but the crisis continues.
