Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Allen

One fertiliser manufacturer, Hugh Johnson, is claiming that overuse and improper application of the commodity is one of the primary factors contributing to the nation's increasing bill for of the product.

Johnson, director of Johnson's Organic Fertiliser, welcomed the Government's recent announcement that it would be importing the commodity for sale at a competitive rate.

However, he noted that more emphasis should be placed on educating farmers about the proper application of fertiliser as part of the discussion on finding a cheaper source for the commodity.

"I still believe that our mode of operation is wrong,' he said. "We don't apply fertiliser the right way and that's why we are using so much."

Speed up process

Johnson has called for the Government to speed up the process of engaging Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) extension officers to educate users of the product about its proper use.

"Many farmers believe that, if a crop is dying, is fertiliser it needs," he argued. "But often times there are some simpler applications, that can help, than fertilising."

Newport Fersan Jamaica Limited, which has been rapped by the Government for its high prices, sold some $2.7 billion worth of fertiliser during the 2007-2008 business year. Newport Fersan is the island's sole manufacturer of inorganic fertiliser.

During that period, the company sold 34,000 tonnes of fertiliser, a decrease in its sales from 45,000 tonnes in 2006-2007.

John Allen, general manager of Newport Fersan, said soil testing was needed in order to educate farmers about the proper usage of the commodity.

Allen said a number of farmers apply fertiliser based on a historical pattern that was taught by RADA years ago. Allen said too that many farmers apply the commodity based on how neighbours or friends have used the farming ingredient.

Soil content research

"We need to do the necessary soil sampling to be guided by what is required and how to apply," said Allen.

Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said research on soil content was being conducted in an effort to tackle the issue.

Tufton said the Rural Physical Planning Unit of the ministry is conducting a study to determine the soil nutrient content and to determine where there are cases of overuse of fertiliser.

A committee, working out of the ministry's Bodles research unit in St Catherine, is also examining soil diseases and is expected to produce a manual prescribing an approach to soil preparation.

"But the anecdotal evidence does suggest that, more often than not, fertiliser is being applied improperly," Tufton said.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com