STAKEHOLDERS COLLABORATES TO PROMOTE ADOPTION OF MBEYA ORGANIC FERTILIZER.
By: Golden Kang’oma Junior – Mana.
A research aimed at assessing the viability of Mbeya organic fertilizer on improving soil fertility status and maize grain yield is being conducted in Salima district.
The research is being conducted by the Department of Land Resource and Conservation (LRCD) and the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), with financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Speaking during a farmers’ field day held at Chitala Research Station in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, on Tuesday Principal Land Resource Conservation Officer in the Department of Land Resource Conservation Kefasi Kamoyo said the research will ascertain the optimum adoption rate of the organic fertilizer among farmers.
He said the initiative also aims at addressing challenges faced by Malawian farmers who heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Kamoyo said: “The escalating prices of agricultural inputs have made farming increasingly challenging, leading government to commission research on compost manure to reduce fertilizer costs.”
He said the initiative holds significant promise for smallholder farmers in Malawi, offering them a sustainable and affordable solution to enhance soil fertility and increase crop productivity. By promoting the adoption of organic fertilizer
Crops Officer for Salima District Agriculture Development Office Jayaka Kipandula, expressed optimism about the research, stating it would alleviate the burden on farmers who struggle to afford expensive fertilizers.
“The adoption of Mbeya organic fertilizer would not only provide cost-effective alternatives but also maximize crop yields with the easy availability of the fertilizers. This will also help the country to keep and export more food crops and generating more revenue,” he said.
One of the Farmers from Group Village headman Kalembo in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, Lovemore Msimpho hailed the initiative, stating that it would serve as a motivation for them to increase crop production.
