PETALING JAYA: Over 200,000 padi farmers are assured of a steady supply of fertilisers as the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) strengthens its sourcing and logistics efforts despite global uncertainties, says the organisation.
Nafas said fertiliser supply remains stable and sufficient to meet domestic need.
The organisation explained that it had taken proactive measures to ensure the continuity of distribution to more than 200,000 padi farmers nationwide.
This includes diversifying its sources of supply and strengthening its logistics planning.
“Nafas is continuously monitoring global market developments and is enhancing strategic cooperation, including through government-to-government (G2G) mechanisms.
“This initiative includes efforts to diversify sources of fertiliser raw materials from major global producers, including Russia, in order to obtain more competitive prices and to ensure the stability of the supply chain,” it said.
Russia, which is the world’s second largest fertiliser producer – accounting for about 20% of the global trade – has extended its export quota until December as disruptions continue due to the blockade at the Strait of Hormuz.
Russian producers are allowed to export 20 million tonnes of fertilisers for the period from June 1 to Nov 30, the Russian government said on Wednesday.
Responding to this, Nafas said it had diversified raw material supply sources by importing from several major producing countries to minimise supply chain disruptions risk.
“Therefore, the impact of Russian controls is considered low-risk with regard to the continuity of raw material supply for the production of NPK fertiliser, particularly for subsidised agricultural input schemes benefiting nearly 200,000 padi farmers nationwide,” it added.
(NPK fertiliser contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.)
One of the key fertiliser raw materials commonly sourced from Russia is Muriate of Potash (MOP), which serves as the “K” (potassium) component in the production of NPK fertiliser, it said.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin explained that even in the scenario where there is a full supply breakdown, the current stockpile can sustain until July.
“This gives a clear buffer and demonstrates that we are not in an immediate crisis. In reality, a total supply breakdown is highly unlikely.
What is more plausible is partial or targeted disruption, affecting certain supply chains, regions, or inputs rather than the entire system,” he said when contacted.
He commended the Fertiliser Industry Association of Malaysia’s commitment to maintain a stable and adequate supply of fertilisers beyond July as well as Nafas’ early preparations and contingency planning.
Chan said G2G arrangements are being made to secure future flows of raw materials, activating alternative supply channels over the next three to six months, and easing the logistical bottlenecks that amplify any external shock.
Chan added that conventional products are tied to global mineral, oil and gas markets and depending on them solely would expose the country to geopolitical tremors.
“For years, the industry has operated under self-regulation. But the rise of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers, which undermine farmers’ productivity and erode their incomes, makes clear that the current landscape demands stronger oversight. The time is right to introduce a Fertiliser Act,” he said.
“We need a national framework that protects farmers and planters across Malaysia and brings us on par with our Asean counterparts, such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, which already have such legislation in place.”
