Yara cuts fertilizer subsidy agreement with gov’t

One of the leading fertilizer companies in Ghana, Yara Ghana Limited, has announced that it has withdrawn from the government’s subsidy programme, which subsidizes fertilizers for farmers.

In a statement, the company said it is now making their products available on the open market only since the fertilizer application season for farmers has just commenced.

“In 2014, Yara supplied more than half of the consumption in Ghana through open market channels only. For 2015, Yara products will not be part of the subsidy programme,” it said.

Although the statement failed to give reasons why it is no longer on government’s subsidy programme, the company indicated that it presently has significant volumes available to meet the high demand that normally greets the fertilizer application season.

In 2008, the fertilizer subsidy programme was established to help farmers increase their rate of fertilizer application as a means of increasing crop productivity as well as increase the country’s fertilizer application.

But farmers have in recent times been complaining about the infrequent support from government under the programme; a situation they say has been resulting in low yields.

Yara’s Managing Director Jorgen C Arentz Rostrup, said the company remains highly committed to ensuring that the farmer identifies with the Yara products through the supply of quality fertilizer at all times, as well as assigning its agronomists to work closely with the farmers to ensure high yield and quality.

“We are pleased to keep on offering farmers our products as the main fertilizer application season begins. Our products are now available in the open market only and just as we have done in the previous years, we will support farmers attain good yields through our technical support systems and our fertilizer application training programmes that we offer nationwide.”

Rostrup added, “our commitment to the farmers is a priority for everyone at Yara, and we will maintain our extensive import program for 2015, making sure the farmer has access to quality fertilizers.”

The company pledged to continue promoting sustainable agricultural productivity and the welfare of the Ghanaian farmer through the “supply of the most efficient range of fertilizers in the industry, with solutions to meet the specific needs of all crops, adding value to the farmers’ activities, throughout practices and yields.”

“Yara reiterates its support for agriculture in Ghana and wish to inform farmers and other stakeholders that they can be assured of the same premium quality fertilizers that the Yara brand is known for, improving produce and increased yields,” it added.