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Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2024, Vol. 23 Issue (02): 430-443    DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.12.007
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Repositioning fertilizer manufacturing subsidies for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China

Zongyi Wu1, 2, Xiaolong Feng1, 2#, Yumei Zhang1, 2, Shenggen Fan1, 2

1 Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

2 College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

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Abstract  

China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.  However, the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.  Moreover, although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages, their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.  This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.  Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model, we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.  The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons, with minimal impact on food production.  Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies, including slow and controlled-release fertilizer, organic–inorganic compound fertilizers, and machine deep placement of fertilizer, emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions, ensure food security, and secure robust economic returns.  Finally, we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions, including subsidies, field guidance, and improved extension systems, to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.

Keywords:  food security       fertilizer manufacturing subsidies        agri-food systems       greenhouse gas emissions   
Received: 23 July 2023   Accepted: 13 November 2023
Fund: The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (72061147002).
About author:  Zongyi Wu, E-mail: zongyiwu2022@163.com; #Correspondence Xiaolong Feng, Tel: +86-10-62737177, E-mail: xlfeng@cau.edu.cn

Cite this article: 

Zongyi Wu, Xiaolong Feng, Yumei Zhang, Shenggen Fan. 2024.

Repositioning fertilizer manufacturing subsidies for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China . Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 23(02): 430-443.

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