The International Potash Institute (IPI) was formed by German and French potash producers in 1952. Clearly, the IPI founders had a vision that progressive farming requires a constant flow of scientific knowledge to share with farmers worldwide. In 2012, we will celebrate our 60th anniversary. We mark this milestone with pride, as we believe that the concepts lay down to form the Institute still hold true today.
During the second half of the 20th century, agricultural development in many parts of the world was impressive. Nevertheless, this rapid progress bypassed many regions. In this edition, we include a paper on improving fertilization practices in Indian tribal communities, where the word “Potash” had never previously been heard…
Do we share today the same vision of our IPI founders? I have no doubt that the answer is an affirmative YES. Farmers today are no less challenged than 60 years ago, if not more, and the need for science and good agronomical practices is acute. In this respect, the work that IPI conducts across various regions with scientists, extension officers and farmers goes on, with a sense of pride in what we have already achieved, and with a strong desire to continue supporting agricultural development.
