News in brief:
-Â Russia shipped 23,000 tonnes of potash and compound fertiliser to Zimbabwe, providing a year’s worth of fertiliser needs free of charge.
– The humanitarian gesture is part of Russia’s broader effort to assist African nations, addressing disruptions in global supply chains, and recruit allies.
Russian fertiliser producer Uralchem announced that it has shipped 23,000 tonnes of potash and compound fertilizer to Zimbabwe. It marks a significant step towards alleviating food shortages in the African nation.
The delivery represents roughly a year’s worth of Zimbabwe’s fertiliser needs, and it comes as a welcome relief following a period of global fertiliser scarcity and rising costs.
The fertiliser shipment was originally destined for European markets, but was blocked due to sanctions imposed on Russia following the war in Ukraine.
Rather than seeing the fertiliser go to waste, Uralchem decided to redirect it to countries in need, with Zimbabwe being the first recipient.
ð¹ Video of Russian #fertilizers for #Zimbabwe being loaded onto the ship in Ghent, #Belgium, last week.
ð¢ The shipment from the Russia’s Uralchem is worth 23,000 tonnes, according to the fertilzer company.#Russia #Africa #SputnikVideo pic.twitter.com/lA1e6eUbOh
â Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) December 11, 2023
The Ukrainian conflict has disrupted global supply chains for food and fertiliser, leading to price hikes and shortages in many countries. It has been particularly hard-hitting for African nations that are already struggling with food insecurity.
The arrival of the free fertiliser is expected to boost agricultural production in Zimbabwe and contribute to increased food security.
Uralchem’s humanitarian gesture has been praised by the Zimbabwean government. Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka expressed his gratitude for the donation, saying it will go a long way in helping us achieve our food security goals. He also revealed that the fertiliser will be distributed to farmers across the country, ensuring that all regions benefit from the donation.
Meantime, the shipment to Zimbabwe is part of a broader effort by Russia to provide humanitarian assistance to African countries. Russia has pledged to send a total of 1 million tonnes of grain to African nations, and has also offered to supply fertiliser to other countries facing shortages.
This initiative highlights Russia’s commitment to supporting African nations and promoting food security on the continent.
