Mining & Trade News

The steep global rise in the cost of fertilisers has challenged Malawian farmers to seek alternative means of enriching their soils for sustainable crop production.

Moving in to fill the gap created in the farming circle by the current exorbitant fertiliser market prices, a local firm, Phindu Agri Solutions, has started manufacturing Phindu Biofix Organic Fertlisers as one way of making sure that farmers access cheaper fertilizers.

Entrepreneur Willington Chatepa, who is the Founder and Managing Director of Phindu Agri Solutions says he spearheaded the initiative not only to provide affordable fertilisers but also to promote traditional methods of managing soil fertility in Malawi.

Phindu Biofix is an organic fertilizer which is processed from organic raw materials such as poultry feacal droppings blended with nitrogen-rich greens like leauchaena and a dose of agricultural lime, which regulates the products’ PH.

“Many people think of inorganic fertilizer as indispensable in Malawi, but I can assure you that they are not as beneficial as most people perceive them to be,” says Chatepa adding that apart from the price element, research has shown that perpetual use of inorganic fertilizers degrades the soil to a state where the farmer is hooked to fertilizer use for eternity.

“As chemicals, inorganic fertilizers destroy friendly micro-organisms, earthworms and others which live symbiotically with farm crops in the soil,” explains the entrepreneur while further observing that “in the end affected crops become dependent on the chemical fertilizers and their toxic elements.”

Chatepa emphasizes that on the other hand, organic fertilizers improve soil properties through its capacity for moisture retention, nutrient balance, pathogen and weed control.

“The soil nutritional balance found in organic fertilizer is also important for fruit vegetable farming for plants like garlic, onion, leafy vegetables, tomato, coffee, banana among others,” he says pointing out that in western countries, organic fertilizers are highly priced than inorganic fertilizers because of their value and harmony with the environment for a healthier planet.

He describes the introduction of other producers of organic fertilizers in Malawi as a healthy development.

“I would like draw government’s attention to consider to include organic fertilizers in its Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) distribution plans “, adds Chatepa.

Phindu Agri Solutions is currently sensitizing farmers in rural communities in the districts of Zomba, Phalombe, Thyolo, Mulanje and Chiladzulu on the importance of using their organic fertilizer.

“We are very grateful for the cooperation we are receiving from government officers in areas we are reaching out,” he says adding that they will continue to reach out to as many farmers as possible.

A 50 Kilogram (kg) bag of Phindu Biofix Organic Fertilizer is currently selling at MK8,000 in two outlets; Njuli in Blantyre (southern region) and Farm Rite in Luwinga, Mzuzu (northern region).

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