Dear Baba Jan,
We heard that the Afghan government has banned ammonium nitrate (AN).
What were the specific reasons behind this issue and what can the farmers use instead?
Shekiba, 19, student, Mazar-e Sharif
Dear Shekiba,
The government has discouraged farmers from using ammonium nitrate for many years, mainly because it is highly combustible and dangerous to store. Its import was banned in 1967 becuase is was so dangerous. But in January President Karzai issued a decree that banned its use, production, storage and sale. The reason for this is that Afghan and ISAF forces reported that AN was increasingly being used in explosive devices that kill and maim not only soldiers but many civilians too. There are alternatives to AN, urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), which are available in Afghanistan. Military commanders are convinced that the ban will cut deaths of soldiers and innocent civilains. “Maybe the farmers won’t like it, but slowly, slowly we will have to convince them,” Amin Aziz, planning chief of the department of Agriculture in Kandahar province, told a Canadian newspaper.
Dear Baba Jan,
I heard on the radio that using ammonium nitrate as a fertilizer is forbidden. I want to respect the law but what should I do with the rest I still have at home? Can I sell it to other farmers?
Niamatullah, farmer, Deh Rawod, Uruzgan
Dear Niamatullah,
When President Karzai issued his decree on January 29, he gave farmers 30 days to hand over their AN fertilisers to the authorities in exchange for compensation. After that date, no compensation will be paid. Farmers in possession of nitrate fertilisers will be breaking the law. You will also be breaking the law if you sell nitrate fertilisers to other farmers. You need to contact your local agricultural directorate or PRT to find out the exact procedures for handing it in. You could also ask your village elder to enquire on your behalf.
Dear Baba Jan,
How do I know if the fertilizer I have is for making bombs? What should I look for? Is there something on the package that I should be looking for?
Hasan, potato farmer, 45, Foladi valley, Bamiyan
Dear Hasan,
There are a number of ways you can tell the difference between AN, urea and DAP. AN is white with a brown tinge and tends to come in pellet form. Urea is also white but a much purer white and its grains are much smaller than AN. When crushed, a granule of AN will leave a powdery residue; urea will fracture and leave a crystalline residue. There should also be markings on the bags the fertiliser comes in.
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