Greenbelt to increase fertiliser production

Greenbelt Fertilisers Limited (GBF) targets to increase production of fertiliser to 300,000 metric tonnes in 2013/14 from 190,000 metric tonnes in the previous season.

GBF research and marketing manager Phergurson Miti said the company is targeting to increase production of fertiliser to meet farmers demand.

“In the 2012/2013 season, we produced about 190,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, and we are targeting to increase production in the next season by almost 50 per cent, which is about 300,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser.

“This is because we want to increase the supply of fertiliser to the small-scale and commercial farmers,” he said.

Miti said this in an interview in Lusaka at the just-ended 87th Agricultural and Commercial Show, under the theme ‘Business in a Changing Environment’.

He said the company is expected to increase production of fertiliser to ensure adequate input for farmers in the quest to boost their yields.

He said the company also offers different services to farmers by sampling their soil type to know the suitable crop that they can maximise to earn more revenue.

Miti, however, said meeting the specified farmers’ demand is a challenge, as each group requires a certain type of fertiliser to enhance the quality of crops.

“We have had challenges in meeting the farmers’ demands when it comes to supplying them with various types of fertilisers that they need. There are some crops that require a specific type of fertiliser to produce a high yield and quality farm produce,” he said