ICARDA and partners highlight sustainable nitrogen management under Fertilize Right Pakistan

ICARDA Pakistan, in partnership with the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (ISES) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, organized a one-day seminar on “Sustainable Nitrogen Management: Ongoing Trends of the USDA-funded Fertilize Right Pakistan Project” on 23 December 2025 in Faisalabad.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Akram Qazi, Director of the Soil Fertility Research Institute (SFRI), Lahore, as Chief Guest. Co-hosted by ISES and ICARDA, the event brought together researchers, extension specialists, policymakers, farmers, and representatives from the fertilizer industry to discuss practical pathways for improving fertilizer use efficiency in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Imtiaz, ICARDA Country Coordinator, Pakistan, provided an overview of the Fertilize Right Pakistan (FRP) project, highlighting progress to date and stressing the importance of scaling proven technologies through stronger collaboration with government institutions and the private sector. The program featured eight technical presentations by scientists from national and provincial research institutions, universities, and industry partners, including representatives of the Fauji Fertilizer Corporation.

Discussions focused on climate-smart and farmer-friendly approaches to nitrogen management, including digital decision-support tools, balanced fertilizer use, biofertilizers, coated and slow-release fertilizers, and site- and crop-specific nutrient recommendations for rice-wheat systems. Speakers also shared evidence on reducing nitrogen losses, cutting nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, and improving crop productivity while safeguarding the environment.

The seminar highlighted the FRP project’s core principle of 4R fertilizer stewardship: applying the right source of fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time in the right place. Key takeaways emphasized balanced use of nitrogen and phosphorus, improved placement and timing of fertilizers, and the growing role of bio-based alternatives in sustainable soil fertility management.

Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Fertilize Right Pakistan project is implemented by ICARDA in collaboration with 14 national and provincial partners. Through on-farm validation and stakeholder engagement, the project aims to increase fertilizer use efficiency, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable food systems in Pakistan.