POTASH
INTRODUCTION
Fertilizer use is a vital component of the scientific package of agriculture technology. However, the use of fertilizer is imbalanced, especially in respect of phosphate and potash. Sulphate of potash (SOP) has conventionally been used as source of potash in Pakistan. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), assisted, through the Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPIC), the government of Pakistan to test the use of muriate of potash (MOP), a cheaper source of potash, under Pakistan soil and crop conditions. Accordingly, the project on the research and development of MOP, initiated in 1993 for a period of five and half years, was coordinated by Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) with the collaboration of public and private sectors institutions dealing with soil fertility and fertilizer use.
OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of the Institute include:
To study the behaviour of potassium in Pakistan soils.
To monitor the effects of fertilizers on long term basis at selected sites.
To promote the use of balanced fertilization for maximum economic yield with emphasis on potash through demonstrations in farmers’ fields.
To disseminate technical information amongst the extension personnel and farmers.
To address environmental concerns related to soils and fertilizer use.
To liaise with the government and fertilizer industry for issues related to current and future use of potash in Pakistan.
ACHIEVEMENTS
1. Introduction of Bulk Blending of Fertilizer in Pakistan
Bulk blending unit has been installed at Kissan, Okara, in order to facilitate the marketing of balanced recipes of fertilizer based on soil and crop requirements in collaboration with National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML). Different crop specific blends were prepared and tested which gave encouraging results.
In order to sustain the CIDA-PPIC initiative the Government of Pakistan has set up Potash Development Institute at PARC.
2. Balanced Use of Fertilizer for Maximum Economic Yields
Fertilizer nitrogen use in Pakistan is fairly advanced while phosphate and potash use are less than the desired levels; the use of potash is only nominal. There are several ways to promote the balanced use of nutrients: importantly promoting NPK recipe, based on soil testing, through bulk blending and offering farmers both sources of potash i.e. SOP and MOP. Further, large scale field demonstrations at farmers’ fields need be undertaken for promotion of balanced fertilizer technology.
For this purpose the Potash Development Institute will take steps to promote the use of balanced fertilizer application for maximum economic yield. For this, experiments have been planned on sugarcane, potato, tomato, cereals and other fruits and vegetable crops. In addition to maximum economic yield, soil and produce quality will also be monitored.
3. Workshops and Trainings
The Potash Development Institute successfully conducted the two fertilizer training workshops, one on 19th March 1998 at NARC, Islamabad.
The research and development project on the use of muriate of potash (MOP) held a Review Workshop-cum-Farmers Field Day on MOP use at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, March 19, 1998. The meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Sartaj Aziz. Mian Abdul Sattar Lalika, Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock also graced the occasion with his presence.
Dr. Zafar Altaf, Chairman, PARC stressed the need for practicing science-based agriculture to enhance crop productivity and increase farm income. Dr. Mark Stauffer, President, Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPIC) presented a global overview on the need for balanced fertilization of crops, including potash. Dr. M. Ehsan Akhtar, National Coordinator of MOP project, presented the highlights of the project accomplishments; need for K fertilization in Pakistan agriculture, introduction of MOP and fertilizer bulk blending in Pakistan fertilizer sector.
Senator Sartaj Aziz, the Chief Guest appreciated the contributions of the project and stressed the need for sustainability of coordianted efforts in agriculture. The Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock also addressed the Workshop and assured his support to all the scientists in their research and development endeavours. Farmers from the Barani areas, teachers and students from the University of Arid Agriculture, scientists from provincial and federal agricultural institutes and policy makers participated in the workshop. The farmers also visited research facilities and field experiments at NARC Islamabad. The CIDA-PPIC funded project on MOP has been extended upto December ’98 primarily for undertaking educational programmes on the use of balanced fertilization, including the use of potash.
The fertilizer training workshop was conducted on November 30 – December 1, 1998 at Adventure Inn, Islamabad. About 40 participants from fertilizer industry, extension personals, federal and provincial institutions and progressive farmers participated in the training workshop. The session was chaired by Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock and Canadian High Commissioner also graced the occasion of opening session and at the concluding session he was the chief guest. Other high officials from federal and provincial government graced the occasion.
Secondly an 8-day training course of laboratory training for soil and plant analysis was held on June 21-28, 1998 at AVC, NARC. It was organized by Potash Development Institute. A total of 13 scientists participated in the workshop; 10 trainee scientists were from the Punjab Agricultural Research Institute and three from NARC. This training program was inaugurated by Dr. M. Sharif, Member (NR), PARC. Dr. Zafar Altaf, Secretary, MINFAL was the Chief Guest in the concluding session who gave certificates to the participants. Mr. M. Saeed, Associate Soil Chemist, AARI, Faisalabad coordinated the training programme. The training course was sponsored by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board, Lahore, ARP-II funds, OPCV/NESPAK Joint Venture Consultant.
SCIENTIFIC STAFF
Director |
|
Mr. M. Zameer Khan |
Scientific Officer |
Mr. Khurram Bashir |
Scientific Officer |
Mr. Shahid Rafiq |
Scientific Officer |
| Muhammad Waheed | Scientific Officer |
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