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Water Use Efficiency: Pakistan’s Fertilizer Sector Structure, Performance, Policies, and Impacts
P & R Vol.2 Issue 10
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Water Use Efficiency: Pakistan’s Fertilizer Sector Structure, Performance, Policies, and Impacts

Publication Year : 2021
Author: Mubarik Ali

The fertilizer industry in Pakistan, with US$3.74 billion per year in sales, now stands at a crossroads where, after an initial substantial contribution in boosting crop productivity, its future potential is being challenged. Fertilizer-responsive crop varieties, supplementary irrigation water, and a favorable policy environment in Pakistan have induced fast growth in fertilizer demand. On the supply side, the availability of gas at low prices along with a favorable investment environment resulted in the buildup of excessive manufacturing capacity. But recently, a shortage of gas and monopolistic behavior has led to underutilization and greater imports. Restrictive laws put fertilizer processing and marketing in a few hands, which has also affected its efficiency.