By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, January 13, Mana: Food and Nutrition Security Officer (FNSO), for the Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Japhet Saka, has advised farmers in Dedza to develop the spirit of using various types of manure as one way of retaining soil fertility in their fields.

Saka made the call to farmers at Khoche primary school on Monday during the dissemination of information about the Biochar manure and demonstration on plots to the communities.

He said the objective of the project is to help communities and schools achieve sustainable food and nutrition security.

“As you can see these demonstration plots were mounted at Msapuka, Khoche, Kakolo and Mbirima primary schools. We are encouraging farmers to continue using thermic compost and biochar manure in their fields.

All the schools harvested unexpected bumper maize in the plots that were planted using various types of manure. This is why we came to remind people on how they can utilize various types of manure around schools and their communities,” said Saka.

Agricultural Extension Development Officer (AEDO), for Kaphuka, Blessings Banda, said many farmers are embracing the various types of manure knowing that fertilizer prices continue to increase.

“The project is helping communities to start using manure in their fields as they have noted that the harvest does not differ from those that are applying inorganic fertilizers. We are also happy to see that learners are practising the ways of making organic manure around the schools and this is very important as they will be able to use the same knowledge in their homes,” said Banda.

In her remarks, Chairperson of the school feeding initiative under Khoche, Abesi Kaziputa, expressed her satisfaction with what WHH is doing in the area.

“The processes are simple. For example, the thermic manure requires crop residues and animal droppings. These are done procedurally. They are piled together and water is applied. After seven days, they are turned until they are decomposed. It is mostly with 35 or 47 days depending on the resources used,” said Kaziputa.