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Luthando Mapepa
Farming Correspondent
SOME farmers in the dry land of Chimanimani District are turning to organic fertilisers due to the prohibitive costs of synthetic fertilisers.
Farmers who spoke to The Manica Post this week, said they have engaged various stakeholders with a view of venturing into the use of organic fertilisers ahead of the summer cropping season.
A check by this publication revealed that a 50kg bag of synthetic fertiliser ranges between US$50 and US$70, which is proving to be beyond the affordability of many communal farmers.
Bio or organic fertilisers are biological products containing living microorganisms that promote growth by increasing the supply of nutrients to plants when applied.
A group of farmers in Chimanimani is already working with a development partner – Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust – and is expecting a bumper harvest after being trained in making organic fertilisers using locally available resources.
Mrs Laiza Peneti of Biriiri, said the high cost of synthetic fertilisers has forced them to turn to bio fertilisers.
She said they have had to heavily rely on Pfumvudza allocations and Presidential Inputs Scheme for fertiliser.
“In Biriri, we are doing conservation farming as we dig holes and apply fertiliser directly to the crops. Organic fertiliser is also ecologically friendly as it helps to retain the soil’s fertility. As we use local resources, it becomes cheaper to make it compared to synthetic fertilisers,” she said.
Another farmer, Mrs Queen Majokito of Chinuhwa Village in Chimanimani, said they are guaranteed of higher yields after using low-cost inputs.
She said: “I am also using these organic fertilisers which we make from fermented cow manure, grass and soil and the yields have been very good.”
Mrs Majokito described organic fertiliser as an affordable and sustainable alternative.
TSURO Trust programmes manager, Mrs Roselyn Mukonoweshuro said they are equipping local farmers with knowledge and skills on the effective use of organic fertilisers.
“As TSURO Trust, we have joined hands with Agritex officers to train farmers on sustainable and affordable ways of farming using organic fertiliser. The response has been good and the farmers are expecting better yields. Using these natural fertilisers also helps balance the soil ecosystem and boosts plant health naturally,” said Mrs Mukonoweshuro.
Online Reporter