Gift Kadzamira, the director general of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), expressed optimism about a newly developed organo-mineral fertilizer produced locally in Malawi. During a national outreach workshop held in Lilongwe on Wednesday, she highlighted the fertilizer”s potential to enhance agricultural yields while reducing costs for farmers.
The event was part of a project aimed at facilitating the transfer of appropriate technology for community development through collaboration with universities and research institutions. Kadzamira noted that the introduction of this fertilizer is timely, especially as Malawi seeks sustainable methods to improve soil fertility, enhance productivity, and decrease reliance on imported chemical fertilizers.
Kadzamira stated, “Developing our own fertilizer will help our people to easily access and use the commodity. This will reduce food insecurity, which is a significant issue in Malawi. This product has the potential to improve yields and lower costs for farmers, while also contributing to environmental conservation through the recycling of organic waste.”
The project is being implemented in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), which leads the fertilizer trials, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Fenella Frost, the resident representative of UNDP, described the initiative as a chance to reduce fertilizer costs, conserve foreign exchange, and support smallholder farmers in boosting their harvests.
In his remarks, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, Vice-Chancellor of Luanar, emphasized the appropriateness and practicality of the organo-mineral fertilizer in light of Malawi”s existing soil health challenges. He urged stakeholders, including the government, to ensure consistent production of the fertilizer, predicting a forthcoming high demand thanks to its low cost and numerous benefits.
Organo-mineral fertilizers combine organic manure with inorganic chemical fertilizers to rejuvenate degraded soils and enhance crop yields, making them a focal point for sustainable agriculture in Malawi.
