Access to fertiliser key to food security, says OCP Boss

Improved access to fertiliser has been identified as a major key to increasing food production.

Country Manager, OCP Africa, Caleb Usoh, at the second edition of the Agribusiness Summit, in Abuja, said there is a need to boost food production to keep up with the rapid population growth of the country.

He disclosed the need to reach self-sufficiency in fertiliser production, adding that to achieve the vision, OCP Africa will invest $1b in fertiliser production capacity.

He added that the plants would also ensure a decrease in NPK imports, which combine three macronutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
 
According to him, in addition to training local farmers in advanced, modern agricultural techniques, OCP Africa has initiated a number of other programmes to assist sustainable agriculture policy and food security.

“The Agribooster Offer initiative for food crops provides farmers with support for every aspect of the agricultural value chain. Through this OCP Africa connects farmers to financing and insurance, working with local extension agents to train them on proper fertiliser use, collaborating with other providers to ensure they have the right fertilizers and other inputs,” he said.