Agro-dealer launches organic fertiliser

A local company, Uptread General Dealers, has partnered SeedCo to launch gold organic fertiliser with the aim of complementing government efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the country.

In interview, during the launch at Katchale Village, Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe, Uptread General Dealers chief executive officer Lucy Lambwe said the organic fertiliser will also help fight against hunger and food insecurity.

She said the fertiliser was produced with mentorship from Dr Kingdom Kwapata of the Lilongwe University of Natural Resources (Luanar).

Said Lambwe: “We are currently working with 500 farmers organised into 38 groups in different areas in Lilongwe. The enthusiasm and dedication of these farmers is driving positive changes in their communities, thereby contributing significantly to food production and security in the region.”

On his part, chairperson for one of the farmers’ groups Simeon Kamnjoma said the organic fertiliser will help them engage in better and affordable farming practices.

“The organic fertiliser is affordable and on top of that, Uptread is giving out free SeedCom maize which will benefit their area,” he said.

During the launch, smallscale farmers bought two bags of organic fertiliser and received 5 kilogrammes free SeedCo seed.

The main objective of this initiative is to organise and empower local groups of small-scale farmers in Lilongwe, particularly in the Katchare Village, to encourage them to plant now in October to harvest in December,as the maize seed are fast maturing. This will help the farmers to be food secure by January, which is usually the lean period.