The potential and challenges for the development of booming fertilizer trade and commerce across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from multiple perspectives
Saikat Kumar Basu
Department of Botany, Chandernagore College, Chandernagore-712136, West Bengal, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8034-7667
Peiman Zandi
International Faculty of Applied Technology, Yibin University, Yibin, China
Suparna Sanyal Mukherjee
Department of Education, Seacom Skills University, Kendrangal, Bolpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
Alminda Magbalot-Fernandez
College of Agriculture, Jose Maria College Foundation, Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, Sasa, Davao City, Philippines
Beata Barabasz-Krasny
Institute of Biology and Earth Science, University of the National Education Commission in Krakow, Poland
Yaosheng Wang
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
Published online:8 August, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2024.e03.021
Keywords: Afghanistan, Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, fertilizer, Iran, Pakistan, socio-economic, socio-political
Abstract:
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could potentially address several challenging factors associated with fertilizer trade and food security in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan through investments in infrastructure, such as transportation networks and ports, that could improve the efficiency of fertilizer trade by reducing transportation costs and enhancing connectivity between the countries. Such projects could streamline customs procedures and regulations, making importing and exporting fertilizers easier and more cost-effective, thereby improving access to agricultural inputs and enhancing food security. BRI funding could be directed towards modernizing agricultural practices, improving irrigation systems, and increasing agricultural productivity, contributing to the region’s food security. The BRI partnerships could facilitate the transfer of agricultural technologies and know-how, helping farmers in these countries adopt more efficient and sustainable farming practices, leading to increased yields and improved food security. This initiative could support capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers and agricultural professionals in areas such as fertilizer use, crop management, and post-harvest handling, ultimately improving food security outcomes. Furthermore, BRI could promote regional cooperation and integration in the agricultural sector, leading to greater collaboration in research and development, sharing best practices, and coordinated responses to common challenges, which would benefit food security efforts across the region. By addressing these challenging factors through infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment in the agricultural sector, technology transfer, capacity building, and regional cooperation, the BRI has the potential to significantly improve the ground situation related to fertilizer trade and food security in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
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How to Cite
Saikat Kumar Basu, Peiman Zandi, Suparna Sanyal Mukherjee, Alminda Magbalot-Fernandez, Beata Barabasz-Krasny and Yaosheng Wang (2024). The potential and challenges for the development of booming fertilizer trade and commerce across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from multiple perspectives © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Nithar Ranjan Madhu, Dr. Tanmay Sanyal, Dr. Koushik Sen, Professor Biswajit (Bob) Ganguly and Professor Roger I.C. Hansell (eds.), A Basic Overview of Environment and Sustainable Development [Volume: 3], pp. 305-315. ISBN: 978-81-969828-3-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2024.e03.021
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