Teck to team up with China to boost zinc fertilizer use

An agreement between Teck and China's National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center is aimed at improving crop production and human health in zinc-deficit soils on Chinese farms.

RENO (MINEWEB) -

Teck Resources and the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of China announced Sunday that they signed an agreement to promote fertilizer use in China.

"As one of the world's largest producers of zinc, Teck is committed to raising awareness about the devastating impacts of zinc deficiency and helping solve this global health issue," said Teck CEO Don Lindsay. "Working with NATESC we can increase the use of zinc fertilizers in China to significantly improve crop yields, reduce zinc deficiency and ultimately improve human health."

Working in partnership with the International Zinc Association, NATESC has already conducted more than 40 field trials of zinc fertilizer in China which have demonstrated increases in crop yield and generated positive economic returns to farmers.

The Teck/NATESC partnership will provide $500,000 in matching funds to conduct up to 50 more field trail demonstration projects and promote widespread education on the benefits of zinc fertilizer.

In China, 60% of arable land is classified as zinc-deficient, which can result in stunted crop growth and inefficient absorption of essential nutrients. It also can have serious impacts on human health.

NATESC Party Secretary Hang Dapeng hopes "that further trial and demonstration will guide farmers to use zinc fertilizer, lead fertilizer producers to develop zinc fertilizer producers, cultivate and strengthen the zinc fertilizer industry, and promote the production and application of zinc fertilizer to meet the demands of Chinese agricultural production."

"Zinc fertilizer will become an important section in developing water-saving agriculture, fertilizer recommendation program and development strategy of fertilizer producers," said Hang. "Based on our initial field trial results, our program is already oversubscribed by provinces and regions excited to take part."