Repositioning fertilizer manufacturing subsidies for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China

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.

A Study of Indian Government Policy on Production and Processing of Cotton and Its Implications

India is a major player in international cotton markets as it is the world＇s second largest cotton producer, consumer and exporter in 2009-2010. In this context, this paper assesses the competitiveness of Indian cotton producers and potential implications for India as a competitor in the world cotton market. This paper developed an updated estimate of the costs of cotton production in India and developed representative farm models for cotton production in three important cotton production states （Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh） of India. In this research, Rapid Rural Appraisal （RRA） methodology has been adopted to collect information for developing representative farm models. These models are further subjected to stochastic simulation to understand the impact of government policies like subsidies to various inputs on farm level profitability and ultimately on the competitiveness of Indian cotton in international markets. This paper also analyzed the impact of national fiber policy of the government of India on the cotton processing sector in India. The results demonstrate that the net income of the cotton farmers will decrease considerably without the presence of fertilizer subsidies. The study also concludes that if the objectives of the national fiber policy are fulfilled, India will export more of value added cotton products like textiles and garments rather than raw cotton.