China launches the campaign on zero growth of the fertilizer and pesticide consumption by 2020

Chinese Ministry of Agriculture(MOA)announced on 17 March that they would launch a campaign on zero growth of the fertilizer consumption by 2020. In the same time, MOA will also launch a campaign on zero growth of the pesticide consumption by 2020.The target of the MOA is to achieve over 40% of the fertilizer efficiency rate and the pesticide efficiency rate in 2020, a rise of 7% and 5% respectively over 2013, and to achieve zero growth of the fertilizer and the pesticide consumption.

An official from the MOA says it is the result of the implementation to the No 1 document issued by the central government. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce the fertilizer consumption and raise the fertilizer efficiency, to reduce the pesticide consumption, to actively explore a new modern agricultural development road with high efficiency, high product security, resource-saving and environmental-friendly target.

According to the Zero growth programme, China will promote the accurate fertilization, adjust fertilizer consumption structure, improve fertilization and use more organic fertilizer to replace chemical fertilizers. The main methods to be implemented will include innovating service, strengthening links between producers and farmers, raising customized fertilizer application, promoting new fertilization technology including mechanical fertilization and fertigation, promoting new fertilizers and new technologies, promoting organic fertilizer application, raising the organic content in the soil, strengthening high-standard ploughing.

MOA says the agricultural depts at all levels will set up the leader groups to promote the campaign. In the meantime, the Plough Land Quality Protection Regulation and the Fertilizer Management Regulation will be published.