Shandong Nongda Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Nongda Fertilizer”) It is a national high-tech enterprise integrating the research and development, production, sales, and technical services of innovative fertilizers. Upholding a sustainable development model that seamlessly combines industry, academia, and research, it has maintained an undisputed leading position in the humic acid fertilizer sector. Centered on crops, Nongda Fertilizer strives to enable more farmers to access higher‑quality fertilizers, aiming to become a premier provider of comprehensive solutions and services for soil health, nutritional balance, and harmonious integration of soil and fertilizer in crop cultivation.
Though the road may be long, perseverance will bring you to your destination; though the task may be daunting, determination will ensure its success! This edition of the National Fertilizer Initiative has visited Shandong Nongda Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd., a leading enterprise in China’s humic acid fertilizer sector, to explore the development journey behind this industry’s golden reputation. Gain an in-depth understanding of Nongda Fertilizer Industry’s development model, which focuses on precision‑crafted, green, low‑carbon fertilizers and integrates industry, academia, and research. Through the company’s steady, day‑in‑day‑out accumulation of achievements, appreciate its unwavering commitment to making humic‑acid fertilizers accessible to all and its significant contributions to sustainable agriculture. Together with Ma Xuewen, Chairman of Shandong Nongda Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd., explore how Nongda Fertilizer Industry remains true to its original mission—“putting crops at the core and ensuring that more farmers have access to better fertilizers”—while shouldering the responsibilities of our times. The company is forging a robust path of high‑end, intelligent, and green transformation, contributing meaningfully to China’s transition from an agricultural powerhouse to an agricultural and brand‑strong nation.
The No. 1 Central Document of 2023 emphasizes “ensuring stable grain production and the reliable supply of important agricultural products.” Regarding this goal, Ma Xuewen stated that fertilizers are a critical input for agricultural production, and enterprises have taken numerous measures to support it.
Nongda Fertilizer Industry is firmly committed to a sustainable development model that integrates industry, academia, and research, fully leveraging its strategy of “revitalizing and strengthening the enterprise through science and technology.” Its product R&D consistently maintains a leading position in the industry. China’s agricultural development has evolved from ensuring adequate food supply to pursuing higher‑quality nutrition. From the perspective of broader developmental trends and natural growth patterns, a region’s climatic conditions—such as sunlight exposure, diurnal temperature variation, and precipitation—significantly shape and influence agricultural production. Moreover, agricultural inputs play a crucial role in determining both yield and quality: while pesticides can help mitigate crop losses, advanced inputs are instrumental in stabilizing and increasing yields, enhancing quality, and improving efficiency. Looking ahead, China’s agriculture will continue to transition from simply meeting basic nutritional needs to embracing high‑quality, value‑added farming.
In recent years, we have consistently taken proactive measures, typically beginning to organize dealers to place orders and initiate sales well before the Spring Festival. This approach enables us to establish a seamless information and planning chain that flows from the bottom up, translating order data into annual production and sales targets. Consequently, we promptly manage cash flow, stockpile raw materials, and accelerate production, thereby contributing to the successful preparation for spring farming.
As the foundation of the national economy, China has been steadily transitioning from an “agricultural powerhouse” to an “agricultural superpower.” From a corporate perspective, Ma Xuewen interprets the theme of “fertilizer‑driven agricultural development” as follows:
Fertilizers have played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, and China has transformed from a fertilizer‑deficient country into a global fertilizer powerhouse. I divide this evolution into three stages: the 1.0 era of fertilizers, characterized by the use of single‑nutrient products such as urea and diammonium phosphate; the 2.0 era, marked by the introduction of compound fertilizers, which help crops achieve a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, thereby making fertilization more scientifically grounded; and today, we are advancing toward the 3.0 era, in which fertilizers will evolve from simple chemical formulations to functional and efficiency‑enhancing products—this shift represents the future direction of fertilizer development.
In recent years, Nongda Fertilizer Industry has adhered to a development strategy of “revitalizing and strengthening the enterprise through science and technology,” actively pursuing the research, development, and innovation of new‑type products. We have always recognized that soil comes first, with fertilizer following; if we focus solely on chemical fertilizers, we end up with a concept rooted in chemistry and nutrition, lacking an ecological perspective. To achieve high fertilizer use efficiency while simultaneously protecting the soil, sustainably boosting productivity, and advancing sustainable development, we must shift toward eco‑friendly fertilizers, efficiency‑enhancing fertilizers, and functional fertilizers. Accordingly, we consistently emphasize the integrated development of soil, fertilizer, crops, and the environment. Meanwhile, our fertilizers are widely acclaimed within the industry as “resource‑saving, environmentally friendly” and even as “fertilizers that have ‘gone to university.’”
As a leading fertilizer company in China, Nongda Fertilizer boasts Asia’s largest production base for active humic‑acid slow‑release fertilizers. Speaking about how Nongda Fertilizer has managed to stand out amid fierce industry competition, Ma Xuewen stated:
Nongda Fertilizer has managed to stand out in a fiercely competitive industry thanks to both its expertise and operational efficiency. This success is underpinned by the entire Nongda team—a highly skilled, well‑structured elite workforce that enables us to better anticipate and steer the future direction of agriculture, while also gaining a clearer understanding of how to protect soil and deliver tangible benefits to farmers. Building on this foundation, we actively invest in product development and scientific innovation, leveraging cutting‑edge solutions to drive corporate growth and shape market trends. With the emergence of “new farmers” and the growing emphasis on land‑saving practices, there is increasing focus on cost‑effectiveness—balancing inputs and outputs—and on achieving greater returns through economies of scale. Rising farmer awareness further boosts acceptance and adoption of innovative products. At the same time, the nation has championed the vision of “ecological agriculture, green mountains and clear waters,” and we are empowering this vision with advanced formulations that enhance nutrient use efficiency and reduce overall fertilizer application.
Perseverance can carve even metal and stone. To fulfill its mission of enabling more farmers to access higher‑quality fertilizers, Nongda Fertilizer Industry will continue to advance humic acid activation technologies, improve soil health, and ensure that the land keeps generating wealth for farmers. Looking ahead, the company will anchor itself in the new stage of development, uphold the new development philosophy, and integrate into the new development paradigm, while maintaining steadfast momentum. With high‑quality development as its guiding principle, it will fully leverage the role of fertilizers and their derivative products in boosting grain yields and enhancing quality.
