In a market where ammonium sulphate (AS) is very popular and has been used on almost all crops for decades, it was crucial for Yara Ghana as the global fertilizer leader to bring in a form of improved AS in order to stop and reduce the destroying effects of this product on the soils. That is why YaraBelaTM SULFANTM has been introduced onto the Ghanaian market in the year 2010.
YaraBelaTM SULFANTM contains 24%N (12%NO3-N, 12%NH4-N) and 6%S. The main benefits of using SULFANTM are:
- a balanced combination of nitrogen, with nitrate-N for immediate uptake by the plant, and ammonium-N for sustainable delivery
- nitrate-N will enhance the absorption of others nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- lower acidifying effects on the soil as compared to AS due to the nitrate-N
- lower nitrogen losses unlike AS and urea which leads to volatilization
Such advantages and improvements are now available to Ghanaian farmers and therefore it was Yara’s mission to share the knowledge about SULFANTM with all stakeholders such as farmers, researchers, policy makers, agric officers and distributors/retailers to ensure the effective use of the product.
We started a program in Nkoranza-Ejura-Amantin area in 2010 based on 3 steps. First we organized farmers fora to create the awareness and educate them of the product. Secondly, we had trainings for agric officers since they are the main contacts for the farmers. And thirdly, we approached the input dealers and together with the distributor of the area (Enepa Agrochemical) to get the product available.
In order to increase the knowledge and maintain awareness about the benefits of using SULFANTM, we organized another campaign in 2011 in the Northern zone. Indeed Yara had an intensive radio program involving our major distributor in the area Iddisal Company Ltd, a well known radio station North Star Radio and some key farmers. Farmers were also invited to our rice demonstration using YaraMilaTM UNIK15 TM and YaraBelaTM SULFANTM which is very promising.
Mr Fuseini Nindow who was carrying the SULFANTM on motorbike to the farm said “I have no doubt about SULFANTM, last year I used it, it was very effective on my maize field, it was even able to control striga in the farm”. Another observation from farmers was that, immediately on using SULFANTM, they see their crops turning green indicating a quick response.
If you also want to use YaraBelaTM SULFANTM and see its good effects on your farm please do contact our local sales team.