A local firm has ventured into production of organic fertiliser selling at lower prices to enable farmers access the soil enriching product at affordable rates.
Branded Funani organic fertiliser, the product has already penetrated the market in all the regions of the country, according to managing director of the company, Ezra Funani.
Currently, the commodity is being packed in 50 kilogramme (kg) bags with the brand name and contact details of the manufacturer. It is going at K6 000 per bag in some outlets.
Funani said in an interview he invested in the business after noting production challenges in the sector.
He said: “Organic fertilisers are very important to soil. With Funani organic fertiliser, farmers invest less, soil fertility and structure are retained, moisture retention is high and government is saving forex since the fertiliser is produced locally.”
Yesterday, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Irrigation toured some of the firm’s warehouses in Lilongwe to appreciate the work the company is doing.
Committee chairperson Joseph Chidanti Malunga commended the innovation of the entrepreneur, but was quick to point out areas that need to be looked into by the investor.
He said despite the fact that organic manure is a reliable intervention to the current agricultural challenges in the country; the firm needs to look at issues of seeking certification from relevant institutions.
According to the product brief, the fertiliser can be applied to crops such maize, tobacco, soya and Irish potatoes, among others. n
