The Rural Development Investment Initiative Trust (Rudevit) has commenced full-scale production of granulated organic fertiliser at its plant in Chileka, Blantyre. The facility produces approximately 3,000 kilogrammes of fertiliser per hour, operating one eight-hour shift that yields about 60 bags of 50 kg per hour. This development marks a significant milestone for Rudevit, a subsidiary of the Malawi Stock Exchange-listed National Bank of Malawi plc.
The K2 billion facility was financed by the NBM Development Bank in 2022. Board director Alick Sukasuka recently visited the plant to assess the progress made since the financing was provided. Sukasuka expressed satisfaction with the development, highlighting the importance of supporting productive investments. The NBM Development Bank's involvement has been crucial in enabling Rudevit to establish the manufacturing plant.
Rudevit's board chairperson, Hastings Bofomo Nyirenda, noted that the company's production capacity will help complement Malawi's fertiliser requirements through locally produced organic fertiliser. The facility can increase the availability of locally manufactured fertiliser, reducing reliance on imported products. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector.
The production of organic fertiliser is also expected to improve access to affordable farm inputs and boost crop production. Agriculture expert Leonard Chimwaza previously highlighted the benefits of organic fertiliser production in Malawi. The Fertiliser Association of Malawi reports that the country requires at least 450,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually.
Rudevit currently employs more than 60 people, with the manufacturing operation creating a market for the productive use of waste materials. The company's operations are seen as a significant contribution to the country's efforts to increase local fertiliser production and reduce reliance on imports.
The NBM Development Bank's financing of the project demonstrates its commitment to supporting productive investments in Malawi. The bank's involvement has enabled Rudevit to establish a significant manufacturing plant, which is expected to have a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector.
With a production capacity of 3,000 kg per hour, Rudevit is well-positioned to contribute to Malawi's fertiliser requirements. The company's locally produced organic fertiliser is expected to improve access to affordable farm inputs and boost crop production, ultimately benefiting the country's agricultural sector.
Key points
- Rudevit produces 3,000 kg of granulated organic fertiliser per hour at its Chileka plant.
- The facility was financed by the NBM Development Bank in 2022.
- Malawi requires at least 450,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually.
