Fertilisers are essential to modern agriculture. They help us grow more food on less land and are especially important for countries like Pakistan, where agriculture supports nearly two-thirds of the population and contributes around 19% to the GDP. But while fertilisers help feed the nation, the way we use them today is harming our environment, wasting precious resources, and threatening long-term food security.
The Nitrogen Dilemma
In Pakistan, nitrogen-based fertilisers—especially urea—dominate the market. In 2023, out of approximately 6.5 million tons of total fertiliser use, nearly 70% was urea. This heavy reliance on nitrogen has led to an imbalance in how nutrients are applied to crops. Phosphorus and potassium—equally essential for plant growth—are used far less than recommended, leading to reduced soil health and lower crop productivity over time.
According to the National Fertiliser Development Centre (NFDC), nitrogen, phosphate, and potash availability in 2022–23 declined by 6.1%, 32.8%, and 59.4%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Prices have also surged dramatically: for instance, in just one year, the price of DAP (a phosphatic fertiliser) rose by over Rs. 5,300 per 50 kg bag during Kharif 2023. High prices and limited access further widened the nutrient imbalance.
Low Efficiency, High Costs
Pakistan’s fertiliser use efficiency, particularly for nitrogen, is worryingly low. Only around 40% of nitrogen applied to crops is absorbed by plants; the rest is lost to the environment through leaching, volatilisation, and runoff. These losses cost the economy an estimated USD 1.5 billion annually.
Fertiliser manufacturing also consumes huge amounts of natural gas—Pakistan’s fertiliser sector is the third-largest gas consumer. In 2022–23, it consumed over 255,000 MMCF of gas, for which the government provided a subsidy of Rs. 108 billion to keep fertiliser prices within reach of farmers.
Digital tools such as precision farming, GIS-based soil mapping, and mobile apps can guide farmers on when and how much fertiliser to apply. These technologies can optimise inputs, save costs, and improve yields
These practices are not sustainable for our economy, our climate, or our environment.
Environmental Consequences
The excessive and inefficient use of fertilisers has made agriculture the leading source of nitrogen pollution in Pakistan, contributing nearly 80% of total nitrogen emissions. Nitrogen runoff pollutes rivers and lakes, leading to harmful algal blooms and the death of aquatic life—a process known as eutrophication. Nitrogen gases released into the air also contribute to smog, respiratory illnesses, and global warming.
It’s estimated that 30–40% of applied nitrogen is lost to the environment, which not only wastes money but also damages natural ecosystems and undermines the long-term sustainability of our food systems.
Why We Must Act Now
The urgency of better fertiliser management has been recognised globally. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has passed two resolutions on Sustainable Nitrogen Management—one in 2019 and another in 2022—urging countries to reduce nitrogen waste, promote knowledge-sharing, and develop national action plans.
Pakistan is preparing to submit a new resolution on this subject at UNEA-7, and taking action at home—such as forming a National Steering Committee and investing in better practices—will strengthen our leadership on the global stage.
What Can Be Done?
There are several pathways to improve fertiliser use efficiency in Pakistan:
1. Promote Balanced Fertilisation
Farmers need access to crop-specific fertiliser recommendations based on soil testing. Unfortunately, soil testing services remain limited, and many farmers still follow traditional practices that emphasise urea use over more balanced nutrient application.
2. Adopt Innovative Fertilisers
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEFs), such as controlled-release and coated fertilisers, can greatly reduce nutrient losses and improve uptake. However, these remain expensive and scarcely available in local markets. Other countries like China, the U.S., and those in the EU have already made significant strides in adopting these innovations.
3. Support Local Research and Development
Pakistan needs to invest in developing fertilisers suited to its diverse soils and climates. Public-private partnerships can drive local production and lower the cost of EEFs and biofertilisers.
4. Provide Incentives and Awareness
Government subsidies and tax incentives for EEFs, along with awareness campaigns via media and extension services, can encourage adoption. Pilot projects can help demonstrate their benefits in real field conditions.
5. Leverage Digital Agriculture
Digital tools such as precision farming, GIS-based soil mapping, and mobile apps can guide farmers on when and how much fertiliser to apply. These technologies can optimise inputs, save costs, and improve yields.
6. Encourage Integrated Nutrient Management
Combining organic sources (like compost and manure) with chemical fertilisers can improve soil health and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs.
A Sustainable Future
Improving fertiliser use efficiency is not just about boosting crop yields. It’s about saving money, protecting our rivers and air, securing our food supply, and tackling climate change. With thoughtful policies, better technologies, and awareness, Pakistan can shift from wasteful practices to smarter nutrient management.
As we look ahead to global negotiations like UNEA-7, taking decisive steps now will allow Pakistan to lead by example, showing that sustainable agriculture is possible, practical, and profitable.