Nigeria urged to adopt crop-specific fertilisers

Experts have called on Nigeria to move away from general-purpose fertilisers and adopt crop-specific solutions to improve agricultural productivity.

They say using fertilisers tailored to different crops and soil types will help farmers achieve better yields, reduce waste, and strengthen the country’s food security.

The global market for specialised fertilisers is expected to grow strongly over the next few years. It is projected to rise from about $37.78 billion now to $64.81 billion by 2033.

This means the market will grow at an average rate of about 6.18 percent each year.

Specialised fertilisers are designed to improve crop quality and increase farm yields. Unlike regular fertilisers, they release nutrients slowly or in a controlled way.

Some are also water-soluble or specially made for certain crops and soil types. These include products like micronutrient blends, slow-release fertilisers, and those mixed with plant growth boosters.

Experts say these fertilisers help farmers use nutrients more efficiently while reducing waste and environmental damage.

In the Middle East and Africa, the market is also growing. It is expected to increase from $4.93 billion to $5.25 billion this year, and reach $7.22 billion by 2031. This growth is being driven by government food security programmes, modern farming methods, and increased investment in irrigation systems that apply fertilisers through water.

Policies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Morocco’s phosphate industry strategy, and South Africa’s climate-friendly farming programmes are also supporting this growth.

Globally, demand for specialised fertilisers continues to rise. In 2024, total consumption reached 18.8 million tons, which is a 5 percent increase from the previous year. Water-soluble fertilisers saw the biggest growth, rising by 12 percent.

These fertilisers are popular because they dissolve easily in water and can be applied through irrigation systems or sprayed on crops. This makes them more efficient and easier to use.

In Nigeria, experts say the country needs to move away from using general-purpose fertilisers and adopt crop-specific ones. This will help improve food production and reduce dependence on imports.

The Managing Director of OCP Africa Fertilizers Nigeria Limited, Caleb Usoh, said farmers need more precise fertiliser use based on the needs of each crop and soil type. He explained that research has already identified the right nutrient combinations for crops like rice, maize, tomato, cocoa, and wheat.

However, many farmers still use common fertilisers like 20-10-10 or 15-15-15, which may not give the best results. Usoh called on the government to promote the use of specialised fertilisers, especially in public farming programmes.

He also warned that Nigeria must improve soil management to meet its growing food demand. For example, wheat consumption in the country is expected to rise to about 6.8 million tons, while local production remains low.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s OCP Group plans to carry out maintenance work at some of its plants. This could reduce its production by up to 30 percent in the second quarter of the year.

The company’s operations have also been affected by shortages of key raw materials like sulphur and ammonia, as well as bad weather that disrupted port activities earlier in the year.