The University of Zambia (UNZA), has called on all investors to consider investing in the production of compound D fertilizer locally.
School of Agriculture lecturer Mirriam Chiwoya, said that the school had discovered a rock in Eastern Province in Isoka that had phosphorus, which is one of the most important components in producing compound D fertilizer.
“Phosphorus is currently imported from South Africa which makes compound D fertilizer expensive. This new development might reduce the fertilizer price and also reduce on the import to export ratio in the country,” said Ms. Mirriam Chiwoya.
She said all the experiments and tests have already been done and that the School of Agriculture just lacked funding to go ahead and start producing compound D fertilizer locally.
This development has made some farmers look to the future of farming with hope.
“Now that we will have our own ingredients from home, maybe compound D fertilizer will even be cheaper, therefore enhance production and agricultural exports” said Mr. Michael Muyunga, a farmer.
This rock which was discovered in Isoka, is proof that there are more rocks that could foster the agriculture sector and provide other elements that can be used to produce locally made fertilizers.