January 11, 2011
At the PotatoEurope 2010, K+S KALI GmbH and the GTZ (the German society for technical cooperation) have initiated first consultations on the topic of international food safety. This in-depth exchange of information has surfaced an interest on both sides, in a future international cooperation. The objective is to include an appropriate crop nutrient supply in international projects for raising agricultural production, such as for potatoes.
Getting an impression of how the raw materials potash and magnesium are mined at the K+S KALI GmbH’s Zielitz mine, 800 meters below ground: (left to right) Dr. Wolfgang Kasten, Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (German society for technical cooperation – GTZ), Jörg Lohmann, GTZ, Dr. Pamela K. Anderson, Director General of the International Potato Center (CIP), Prof. Dr. Andreas Gransee, Head of Agricultural Advisory Department K+S KALI GmbH and Friedhelm Mester, Head of Marketing Projects and Trade Policy K+S KALI GmbH. (Photograph: K+S KALI GmbH)
At the PotatoEurope 2010’s kick-off event in Hanover, Dr. Pamela K. Anderson, Director General of the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru, had emphasised the potato’s important role for global food safety. As potatoes are exceptionally nourishing and rich in vital substances, this scientist identifies this crop as having a great potential for future world food provision. Potatoes are currently making great advances into African and Asian countries, says Dr. Anderson.
In its very first meeting with the GTZ and Dr. Pamela K. Anderson, (CIP), K+S KALI GmbH called attention to the necessity of providing a balanced and therefore optimised mix of nutrients to plants. Potatoes have an exceptionally high demand of the nutrients potassium and magnesium. In potato farming, the relevance of these two nutrients for yield and quality of agricultural products is shown in an exemplary way.
Together with the CIP, GTZ and K+S KALI GmbH will intensify their contacts within the months to come. Beyond that, first steps have been taken towards cooperation in concrete future projects.
The GTZ is a private international enterprise specialising in technical cooperation for sustainable development, which supports the German federal government in implementing its development policy objectives. It offers future-oriented solutions for political, economic, ecological and social developments in a globalised world, and promotes complex reforms and change processes even under difficult conditions. Its goal is to sustainably improve living conditions all over the world.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH
International Potato Center, Lima/Peru (Centro Internacional de la Papa)
