Locally-made organic fertiliser launched
Waste Management Company, Jekora Ventures Limited will the supply of locally manufactured organic fertilizer to local farmers as part of efforts to boost crop yield.
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The fertilizer, known as Fortifer, is produced from organic waste segregated at the company’s compost plant in Accra.
The Managing Director of Jekora Ventures Limited, Mr. Immanuel Nartey-Tokoli speaking at the inauguration of the JVL Fortifer Compost Plant said the company committed to producing and marketing 500 tons of the organic fertiliser and would invest about US$90,000 of its own funds in plant operations and maintenance as well as product commercialisation
“Commercial production of the Fortifer compost will begin immediately, and they are designed to meet the needs of both small and medium holder farmers,” he said.
The Fortifer is made through processing of human and other organic waste, and is a safe and nutrient-rich compost which will be sold in powder and pellet forms.
In September 2014, Jekora Ventures and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) signed a joint venture agreement which paved the way for the construction of the compost plant.
Enhancing agric productivity
The Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr Seth Osei Akoto said the new product would enhance agriculture productivity in Ghana and ultimately help the country achieve food security.
While lauding the partners for the programme, he said the growing demand for food in the country presented a good opportunity to look for innovative ways to produce enough for consumption.
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As we all know agric is the main of the economy as it accounts for over 22 per cent of GDP and now employing about 42 per cent of the total labour force.
“The increasing demand for food provides an opportunity to explore innovative mechanisms to improve and sustain agriculture for food security and livelihoods enhancement. That is why the current government has launched the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs Programme’ to ensure adequate availability of food in the country through improved productivity,” he said.
The Compost Plant
The JVL Fortifer Compost Plant was constructed through a Public- Private Partnership arrangement between Jekora Ventures Limited (JVL) and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA).
The project was facilitated by the International Water Management Institute (IMWI) in collaboration with Training Research and Networking for Development (TREND) and with technical support from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR- IIR).
To manufacture the fertiliser, the plant will treat 12,500 cubic meters of faecal sludge- waste contained in the septic tanks of household and public toilets. The plant will recycle about 700 tons of pure organic food waste, segregated at its source to prevent contamination from other solid wastes, thus enhancing product quality.
Potential for expansion
A Scientist with the International Water Management Institute (IMWI), Ms Josiane Nikiema said the waste recycling business had huge potential in the country, and this must help drive investments in that direction.
“We believe there is strong potential for expanding this products market share in Ghana. Pilot trials suggest that the waste recovery process can generate enough income to earn a profit. This should attract further public and private investments to help cover the costs of waste treatment, creating more benefits for society benefits through reduced pollution,” she said.
Fortifier is expected to reach farmers in the Yilo Krobo area of the Eastern Region by 2018. Other areas earmarked are Tamale, Bolgatanga and Cape Coast.
Multiple benefits
Based on research carried out by the IMWI, the plant will contribute importantly to improving urban sanitation, while at the same time helping boost farm productivity.
The production of Fortifer is expected to create jobs, promote better health conditions and a clean environment and also help in the production of nutritious diets with less dependence on imported food and chemical fertiliser.