MUST to venture into fertilizer production
Posted By
James MphandePosted on
11th Apr, 2025
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has taken a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity and soil fertility with the introduction of organic fertilizer.
The granulated urine fertilizer, made from a unique blend of special rocks and liquid urine, is being tested at Bvumbwe Research Station for maize production under rainfed conditions.
Initial results show that the fertilizer performs comparably to inorganic alternatives, thereby providing hopes for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for farmers.
Speaking during a site visit at Bvumbwe Research Station in Thyolo district, Dr Jabulani Nyengere, a lecturer at MUST and developer of the fertilizer, said there is high potential of the product in providing alternative cheap source of fertilizer for improved crop production among smallholder farmers in the country.
"Our goal is to provide an affordable and accessible fertilizer option for farmers, particularly in rural areas," Dr Nyengere said.
The fertilizer is currently undergoing further testing under irrigation and rainfed crop production before mass production.
According to Dr Nyengere, registration of the fertilizer under the technology validation section of the Department of Agriculture Research Services (DAARS) is at an advanced stage.
He also added that MUST, through him, has received a grant to upscale the production of this innovative organic fertilizer, targeting smallholder farmers in cyclone-affected areas in southern Malawi.
The grant from FAR-LEAF II fellowship, aims to improve farmers' productivity, food security, and income while helping them cope with climate change.
The grant will cover procurement of production machinery, farmer training, fertilizer production and many other resources pertaining to the project.
And on his part, Dr Chikondi Chisenga, Acting Executive Dean of Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, said MUST is proud of the outcome of the fertilizer in the maize trials and will facilitate securing of rock deposits for continued fertilizer production.
He said, meanwhile, MUST plans to secure rock deposits for continued production.
This innovation is part of MUST's efforts to address Malawi's agricultural challenges and contribute to the country's development agenda as stipulated in Malawi 2063, especially on the pillars of industrialisation, and agriculture productivity and commercialisation.
The granulated urine fertilizer, made from a unique blend of special rocks and liquid urine, is being tested at Bvumbwe Research Station for maize production under rainfed conditions.
Initial results show that the fertilizer performs comparably to inorganic alternatives, thereby providing hopes for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for farmers.
Speaking during a site visit at Bvumbwe Research Station in Thyolo district, Dr Jabulani Nyengere, a lecturer at MUST and developer of the fertilizer, said there is high potential of the product in providing alternative cheap source of fertilizer for improved crop production among smallholder farmers in the country.
"Our goal is to provide an affordable and accessible fertilizer option for farmers, particularly in rural areas," Dr Nyengere said.
The fertilizer is currently undergoing further testing under irrigation and rainfed crop production before mass production.
According to Dr Nyengere, registration of the fertilizer under the technology validation section of the Department of Agriculture Research Services (DAARS) is at an advanced stage.
He also added that MUST, through him, has received a grant to upscale the production of this innovative organic fertilizer, targeting smallholder farmers in cyclone-affected areas in southern Malawi.
The grant from FAR-LEAF II fellowship, aims to improve farmers' productivity, food security, and income while helping them cope with climate change.
The grant will cover procurement of production machinery, farmer training, fertilizer production and many other resources pertaining to the project.
And on his part, Dr Chikondi Chisenga, Acting Executive Dean of Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, said MUST is proud of the outcome of the fertilizer in the maize trials and will facilitate securing of rock deposits for continued fertilizer production.
He said, meanwhile, MUST plans to secure rock deposits for continued production.
This innovation is part of MUST's efforts to address Malawi's agricultural challenges and contribute to the country's development agenda as stipulated in Malawi 2063, especially on the pillars of industrialisation, and agriculture productivity and commercialisation.