Fertilizer deep placement (FDP) and urea supergranules were formally approved by the government of Tanzania in March 2016, following two years of field trials at seven sites. The trials, conducted jointly by IFDC and national research centers, clearly show the advantages of FDP (deep placement of urea supergranules). Compared to broadcasting of prilled urea, FDP increased rice yields by an average of 1,500 kilograms per hectare, while substantially reducing fertilizer losses and environmental impact. The technology requires only one application as opposed to two applications using broadcast urea.
The next step is to promote FDP more widely, using the private sector-led model that IFDC has successfully used in other countries. Cost analyses have been completed, and suppliers and partners identified. IFDC teams are now working with international donors and development agencies to fund a roll-out program.