By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Zombo, West Nile: In the heart of Zombo District, specifically in Pakia Parish, Warr Sub County, the bio-liquid fertilizer initiative is revolutionizing agriculture. Sabiiti Lord’s Compassion, the Community Based Trainer for Agency for Community Empowerment -AFCE a Consortium Partner for the Power of Voices Partnership Project shared how bio liquid fertilizer has transformed farming practices in the region.
“Akumu Julian is one of the beneficiaries of this fertilizer, her coffee was not doing well but after introducing to her the bio fertilizer, her plantation is thriving,” said Sabiiti.
“Her coffee has nearly doubled since she initiated this bio liquid fertilizer to her coffee plantation,” he added.
A Shift to Organic Farming
Sabiiti stressed that, the fertilizer aims to promote organic farming practices. This foliar fertilizer is made from readily available and cost-effective raw materials, such as cow dung, forest soil, wood ash, and water.
According to Sabiiti, “The reason why we make and recommend this organic fertilizer is to improve chemical soil properties and enhance access and utilization of both micro and macro nutrients by the plants, which is essential for improved crop health and high quality yields.”
The bio liquid fertilizer according to Julian, has numerous benefits, including boosting plant performance, increasing crop yields, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Sabiiti explained that the Bio Liquid Fertilizer is very good for Coffee and Horticulture crops like onions, cabbage, and maize.
“The fertilizer is not only beneficial for crops but also for humans, as it is free from synthetic chemicals that can harm human health,” emphasized, Sabiiti.
Over 130 farmers are currently using the bio liquid fertilizer. The initiative has also led to improved livelihoods for farmers. Sabiiti notes, “When we started this initiative, coffee tree were in a miserable state but with the continued use of bio liquid fertilizer, we have seen a significant improvement in the health and productivity of our coffee plants.”
“The motivation of this initiative dates from bad experience when coffee was rejected by international buyers due to use of synthetic fertilizers. Our farmers have been empowered on organic coffee farming for better prices and competition in the international Coffee Market,” Sabiiti Revealed.
The organic Coffee farmers are certified by the lead Coffee buyer from the Netherlands and those who don’t comply are usually sanctioned for two years.
The initiative has also opened up opportunities for farmers to access premium prices for their produce, with a kilo of coffee cherry currently selling at Ugx2,900shillings compared to 2000shillings before.
Sabiiti called upon government and Agriculture Sector Actors to promote the adoption and scaling up of the bio liquid fertilizer for sustainable agricultural practices as well as continued Research and Development for endorsement at national, regional, and global levels.. He also suggested that the government and other stakeholders support farmers by making ingredients for the bio liquid fertilizer readily available.
It is evident that with the promotion, adoption, and scaling up of bio liquid fertilizer, sustainable agricultural practices will be guaranteed for better crop yields, better prices, increased productivity, and hence improved livelihoods at household and community levels.
