Sharleen Mohammed

The Government’s call for stronger partnerships between industry and education is bearing fruit, as local fertiliser company Nutrimaster has teamed up with the University of Zimbabwe and other research institutions to develop a nationwide map of soil types and conditions.

This project aims to help farmers understand the specific needs of their soils so they can use the right fertilizers and increase crop yields. Nutrimaster’s Managing Director, Mr Graeme Barr, explained that fertilizer only works well when applied to soil with the right pH – a measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is.

“If the pH is wrong, most of the fertilizer is wasted because plants can’t absorb the nutrients properly,” said Mr Barr. “We’re working with universities to collect soil samples across Zimbabwe so we can create fertilizers that match different soil types. This will help farmers get better results without overspending.”

The company is especially focused on supporting smallholder farmers who grow most of the country’s food. By giving them fertilizers tailored to their soil, the project hopes to boost productivity in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, led by Honourable Clement Chiduwa, visited Nutrimaster as part of its national tour of fertilizer and chemical companies. The committee is looking at ways to strengthen local fertilizer production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

“Fertilizer is a key input for agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy,” said Hon. Chiduwa. “We want to see more innovation and value addition so that farmers have access to affordable, high-quality products made for Zimbabwean soils.”

This partnership is a good example of what the Government encourages under the Education 5.0 model, which promotes collaboration between universities and industry to solve real-life challenges and grow the economy.