World Food SecurityThe Phosphate Problem

摘要

Phosphate rock Is a finite non-renewable resource. It has multiple uses like fertiliser, feed and industrial purposes. 82% of the phosphate rock is used for fertiliser manufacture and the remaining 18% for other industrial uses. We believe that current global phosphorus usage practices are threatening the world's future ability to produce food. The World Phosphate Rock Reserves and Resources study conducted by International Food Data Conference (IFDC), suggest that phosphate rock deposits should last for between 300 and 400 years. Hence the danger for promoting food production to meet the requirement of world population Is posed by the phosphorus. The point of serious concern is not the depleting P reserves, but the cost for extracting smaller and smaller reserves, and the dependence of global food production upon rock phosphate Imported form politically volatile regions. It may not be exacerbating if It is stated that "the supply and demand of phosphate make the global economy go-round" as It Is today for oil. We can foresee emergence of another OPEC-"Organization of phosphate exporting countries".Phosphorus loss from the systems is degrading our water resources, both for potable water use and aquatic biodiversity. Recovery of P from all waste flows from agriculture, food production, households and Industry will both prevent pollution and mitigate P short supply. Further substitution can be made through measures to substantially reduce the demand for phosphorus and reduce losses to water and non-arable land including increasing efficiency of phosphorus use In agriculture, reducing spillages and wastage during food production and consumption and encouraging a change of diets towards less phosphorus Intensive foods. Expecting geopolitical volatility In P supplies there Is need to take effective and Inclusive governance and associated Institutional arrangements to ensure long-term phosphorus security In all regions of the world Including a combination of regulatory and economic Instruments.