Love FM radio sells organic fertilizer to support agriculture
This initiative serves as a noteworthy example of how a radio station can leverage its platform to drive positive change.
Salima, Malawi - Love Community Radio, popularly known as Love FM, a radio station with a focus on climate change mitigation, has commenced the sale of organic fertiliser in Salima, writes Alinafe Jimmy Mkwezalamba.
Priced at K20,000 per bag, this initiative aims to assist farmers in enhancing their yields and achieving food security.
The move comes as concerns rise over the food security of over four million people in the country.
The organic fertilizer, derived from natural ingredients such as manure, compost, and crop residues, is recognized for its nutrient-rich properties and its ability to improve soil health.
Experts have long championed organic fertilizer for its environmental benefits, as it does not release harmful pollutants into the air and water, unlike inorganic fertilizers.
Maliwa Septala, a farmer who has already purchased six bags of organic fertilizer, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative.
He highlighted that organic fertilizer is not only more cost-effective than inorganic options but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices.
"I am happy with the initiative by Love FM to sell organic fertilizer," Septala said. "This fertilizer is much cheaper than inorganic fertilizer and is also better for the environment. I have already purchased six bags for my farm."
Madalitso Chipwaila, the Managing Director of Love FM, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from people seeking to purchase the organic fertilizer.
He acknowledged that they initially underestimated the demand but emphasized their commitment to meeting it.
"We are overwhelmed with the turnout of people seeking and purchasing the fertilizer," Chipwaila said.
"We had underestimated the need for the fertilizer, but we are committed to ensuring that we meet the demand. We are working with our partners to increase the supply of the fertilizer so that we can reach more farmers."
The sale of organic fertilizer is part of Love FM's broader initiative to promote environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. The radio station has been actively involved in educating farmers about the benefits of organic fertilizer and other sustainable farming practices.
"We believe that organic fertilizer is a key factor in boosting agriculture and mitigating climate change," Chipwaila stated.
"We are committed to working with farmers to help them adopt sustainable farming practices."
Leonard Chimwaza, a local agriculture expert, applauded this initiative as a positive step for Malawi's agriculture. He expressed hope that more radio stations and organizations would follow suit in supporting the use of organic fertilizer.
"The sale of organic fertilizer by Love FM is a welcome move," Chimwaza said.
"It is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to inorganic fertilizer. It is also a more affordable option for many farmers."
This initiative serves as a noteworthy example of how a radio station can leverage its platform to drive positive change.
Love FM is utilizing its reach to educate farmers about the benefits of organic fertilizer and promote sustainable farming practises, particularly in light of the climate change challenges faced by Malawi.