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China Nitrogen Fertilizer Industry Association identifies key priorities for the water-soluble fertilizer and high-efficiency fertilizer sector. Author/Source: Today’s Chemical Industry. Date: 2021-06-28. Clicks: 18. On June 27, 2021, a forum on the development of the water-soluble fertilizer and high-efficiency fertilizer industry was held in Xinxiang, Henan. Gu Zongqin, president of the China Nitrogen Fertilizer Industry Association, delivered a keynote speech at the event focusing on accelerating the development of high-efficiency fertilizers and promoting actions to reduce carbon emissions. The meeting reviewed and summarized the work undertaken and achievements made by the nitrogen fertilizer industry over the past five years in the development of water-soluble fertilizers and high-efficiency fertilizers, and discussed the key tasks for the next phase. Gu Zongqin pointed out. Improving fertilizer utilization by developing high-efficiency fertilizers is a common practice worldwide; in the next step, for water-soluble fertilizers and high-efficiency fertilizers, five key areas need to be focused on. Although some progress has been made in the development of high-efficiency fertilizers in our country, their proportion among all fertilizer products remains low. Due to the **absence of strong policies currently supporting the development of high-efficiency fertilizers, some companies remain hesitant, believing that promoting such fertilizers is difficult, that sales require significant investment of time and resources, and that the returns are low; as a result, the development of high-efficiency fertilizers in China is progressing relatively slowly at present. However, faced with the strict constraints imposed by resources and the environment, if China is to meet its growing demand for fertilizers using limited resources, it must vigorously develop high-efficiency fertilizers. First, it is necessary to increase the promotion of high-efficiency fertilizers. Gu Zongqin believes that it is necessary to make good use of various media and the Internet to promote high-efficiency fertilizers, thereby raising awareness among all sectors of society. It is necessary to summarize and promote the successful experiences and advanced models of high-efficiency fertilizers for widespread adoption within the industry. It is crucial for farmers to acknowledge the importance of this work; our industrial and agricultural sectors need to strengthen cooperation and actively carry out trials and demonstrations of efficient fertilizers. We must be very patient and use simple explanations and clear examples to convince farmers, as only when they see benefits will this effort have a chance of success. Gu Zongqin pointed out that since last November, the nitrogen fertilizer market has seen a recovery with rising prices. Due to various factors, there is currently a shortage of nitrogen fertilizers both domestically and internationally. Under such circumstances, it is easy for companies to neglect the development and marketing of high-efficiency fertilizers. We need to remind our members to continue to prioritize investment in high-efficiency fertilizers and to keep working hard on their market promotion, so as not to let short-term favorable conditions undermine long-term development strategies. Second, establish an evaluation system for the R&D platform of high-efficiency fertilizers. Gu Zongqin believes that innovation in high-efficiency fertilizers should place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and integration, as well as on meeting the key performance requirements of such fertilizers for agricultural production. For example, it is necessary to establish a collaboration platform for research capabilities across various disciplines to jointly tackle technical challenges—such as developing heat-resistant and less corrosive performance enhancers in the industrial field, or devising efficient additive processing equipment ； Agricultural sciences need to identify the new requirements that agricultural production places on fertilizer performance – such as how fertilizers can be used to improve the quality of agricultural products, shorten the growing cycle, and extend the storage time of these products. By leveraging industry associations as a link, it is necessary to establish a scientific, fair, and transparent evaluation system for fertilizer efficacy, with the participation of agricultural research institutions, extension services, and enterprises, in order to provide objective and accurate references for policymakers, businesses, and end-users. Third, actively seek **support for high-efficiency fertilizers. Since the proposal for zero growth in chemical fertilizers, a series of policy measures have been introduced. Examples include pilot projects for replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers for fruits, vegetables, and tea, as well as projects for applying fertilizer deeply to the sides of rice plants. The policy support for the integrated water and fertilizer management project mainly focuses on facility construction; fertilizer products are not considered in the policy design. Although the **newly revised industrial structure adjustment catalog includes water-soluble fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, and stable fertilizers in the category of those encouraged for development, there are no specific support policies in place. It is recommended that the relevant authorities include high-efficiency fertilizers in the list of subsidized energy-saving products ； It is recommended that environmental protection agencies at all levels enact policies and laws and regulations as soon as possible to encourage the production and use of efficient fertilizers ； It is necessary to seek from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs that liquid water-soluble fertilizer storage tanks and intelligent integrated water-fertilizer control equipment be included in the list of agricultural machinery subsidies ； It is recommended that the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and other relevant agencies provide support for high-efficiency fertilizers in terms of project allocation, research and development, and preferential policies ； Recommend to the authorities responsible for fertilizer registration that the registration process for high-efficiency fertilizers be simplified. Fourth, provide agricultural chemical services for high-efficiency fertilizers. Gu Zongqin pointed out that providing good agrochemical services is the key to promoting the use of high-efficiency fertilizers. It is necessary to recommend to farmers the appropriate dosage, reasonable timing for fertilization, correct methods of application, and precautions. For water-soluble fertilizers, a fertilization plan must also be scientifically formulated in conjunction with irrigation facilities and irrigation regimes. Fertilizer companies need to have an adequate supply of technical professionals in the field of agrochemical services, creating a positive atmosphere focused on serving customers and the market. They should encourage skilled individuals to focus on agrochemical services, thereby improving the quality of such services provided by the companies. Fifth, establish a quality traceability system for high-efficiency fertilizers. Gu Zongqin emphasized that, in order to prevent counterfeit products, enterprises should expedite the establishment of a traceability system for high-efficiency fertilizer products. This will ensure product traceability, regulate market competition in the fertilizer sector, give farmers peace of mind when using these products, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. Gu Zongqin said that through several years of development, high-efficiency fertilizers have achieved considerable results. In the future, the industry will face a more complex environment as well as greater pressures related to resources and the environment. We believe that as the entire industry works together, adheres to green development, and relies on technological innovation, the efficient fertilizer industry will reach new heights and make further, greater contributions to China’s low-carbon and green development.