The Ministry of Agriculture says it is assessing the consequences for production from 2022, after Azomures, the largest fertilizer producer, announced it is preparing to temporarily halt production due to energy prices.
The ministry claims that abandoning basic nitrogen fertilization or reducing the amount of fertilizer used on agricultural crops increases the risk of reducing next year’s production by up to 30%. Azomures is the nitrogen-based fertilizer producer that provides 50% of the fertilizer needed by Romanian agriculture.
Therefore, the institution says that a team of specialists is working to identify viable solutions that can be implemented immediately to prevent a drop in agricultural production and limit the effects on the price of primary agricultural products in next year’s harvest.
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“We are assessing the economic and social impact of the temporary halt in fertilizer production. We are concerned to maintain agricultural production at a level that will ensure consumption needs at prices that will not affect the population. I will propose concrete measures to the Government to support farmers and maintain the stability of production of primary agricultural products and processed agri-food products”, said Adrian Chesnoiu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Around 9.2 million ha of arable land are cultivated annually in Romania, of which an important share is devoted to staple crops that contribute to the food security of the population. In order to achieve constant yields, it is important to meet all the technological requirements, with the use of fertilizers ensuring stable production and guaranteeing future harvests.