Farmers in Kilimanjaro Region have been encouraged to use Minjingu fertilizer, which helps retain soil moisture, as a measure to cope with the effects of climate change particularly prolonged droughts that continue to impact the agricultural sector.
The call was made by Mr. Abel Ngwagu, Marketing Officer from Minjingu Fertilizer Company, during the Sixth Edition of the Coffee Festival held at the Tanganyika Coffee Curing Company (TCCCo) in Moshi.
Ngwagu explained that Minjingu fertilizer is specially formulated to assist farmers who are grappling with unreliable rainfall, as it enhances soil fertility while improving the soil’s ability to retain moisture ultimately increasing crop productivity.
“At this festival, we have been educating farmers about our fertilizer, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our product is organic, derived from natural biological remains, which enables it to retain moisture during dry spells or periods of minimal rainfall,” said Ngwagu.
He added that using this fertilizer gives farmers greater assurance of harvests even during drought conditions, as it helps crops withstand moisture stress more effectively.
“Minjingu fertilizer is quite different from synthetic alternatives because it is made from organic matter. We recognize that land is a farmer’s most vital asset, and by enriching it with this fertilizer, we promote sustainable agricultural productivity,” he emphasized.
One of the farmers who attended the event, Ms. Agness Shayo, described Minjingu fertilizer as a game changer in coffee farming, noting that its use has significantly boosted both crop health and yields.
“Since we started using Minjingu fertilizer, we've witnessed tremendous improvements in our coffee farms. The crops are healthier and our productivity has increased noticeably,” said Agness.