Entrepreneurship Zone: 11 July 2023 :: From sea to soil: Kenyan entrepreneur turns seaweed into fertiliser

Tue Jul 11 09:40:20 CAT 2023

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Entrepreneurship Zone: 11 July 2023 ::  From sea to soil: Kenyan
entrepreneur turns seaweed into fertiliser

Bulls 'n Bears Investors Diary: Today's Events

 <https://www.hyundai.co.zw/> Mohdhar Mohamed founded Morganics and Allied
Ltd, a company that transforms seaweed into organic fertiliser, offering an
affordable alternative for farmers.

Mohdhar Mohamed, born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, saw potential in the
ample seaweed found in the surrounding ocean waters. After carefully
considering how to turn the abundant plant into beneficial products, he
established Morganics and Allied Ltd in 2021, a company that converts
seaweed into organic fertiliser.

"I am a farmer and the producer of Morganics Liquid Seaweed Fertiliser, and
a marine conservationist. What compelled me to start this venture was,
first, to make it easy for farmers to access affordable and effective
organic fertiliser and also a way to make a decent living for me and the
community around me," says Mohdhar.

Starting out was tough. The harvesting, processing, storing, and packaging
of the seaweed presented significant hurdles. "Challenges started with the
harvesting of seaweed and the general handling and processing of fresh
seaweed, storage and packing, but with time and with help from the Turkish
Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), we have managed to overcome most
challenges," says Mohdhar.

He began his venture working alongside three of his sons, carrying out every
task by hand. Today, he employs five permanent workers and brings in casual
labour when the workload is heavy.

"At the moment, I am in discussion with a women's group on how we can train
them on seaweed harvesting so that they can earn a living too," he adds.

Mohdhar's initial capital came from his personal savings, which, by his own
admission, were limited, with some contributions from family. "It has been a
battle for me, considering I had no business background. It's been
challenging from getting the legalities right and bookkeeping . we are still
developing," he concedes.

"We have one product that's already in the market - Morganics Liquid Seaweed
Fertiliser, an organic fertiliser made using a fermentation method, and a
second product in the pipeline that will be a seaweed concentrate," says the
entrepreneur.

Mohdhar explains that not all seaweed can be transformed into fertiliser. A
crucial initial step involves selecting the seaweed, which must be fresh and
not dry, before proceeding to the processing stage to create the final
product.

The selected seaweed then goes through a thorough cleaning process. It's
washed and rinsed to remove excess sea salt, sand, and impurities like
plastic and debris. After cleaning, the seaweed is chopped into smaller
pieces, weighed, and stored in containers filled with water in a controlled
room. To maintain quality, each storage container is inspected every three
days for changes in temperature and pH. Every batch also undergoes chemical
testing to ensure consistent quality.

He reveals that the fermentation process usually takes between 30 and 45
days. His operation has the capacity to produce up to five tonnes a month.
However, for now, they fulfill orders as they come in.

Mohdhar sources packaging containers from Nairobi, opting to package the
liquid fertiliser in both one-litre and five-litre containers. He sells the
one-litre container for US$5.6 and the five-litre container for $24.8.

"Seaweed has long been used to help plant growth, especially before the
advent of commercial fertiliser production. It provides many benefits to
plants above and beyond conventional fertilisers to promote stronger,
healthier plants. When plants are stronger and healthier, they are better
able to withstand environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, insect
pests, and diseases.

"Morganics is nontoxic and very safe for humans and pollinators too. It is
affordable and has great coverage," says Mohdhar.

"My strategy has remained the same - we are not in a competition with the
big boys, we are here to give the farmer an alternative, one that is better
for you, your plants and your soil."

As an active marine conservationist, Mohdhar understands the importance of
marine life and the necessity to protect it. His team adheres to "ethical"
harvesting practices, focusing only on seaweed left by the high tide and
found above the waterline. This approach not only provides the raw material
for his business, but also serves as a cleanup activity, helping to maintain
the health of their shorelines and beaches.

As organic farming gains popularity, Mohdhar expects his orders to increase,
requiring him to expand his operation.

"There is a huge potential in seaweed as a source of income not only as a
farm input, but also in cosmetics and food too," he says.

For those considering a similar venture, Mohdhar offers some advice: don't
give up. "I started over four years ago, and I told myself, 'one farmer at a
time' and one day Morganics will be on the top shelf. Set your target, start
small, do not fight the competition, build your brand and base it on trust."

"I plan to continue telling the farmer that it is time to shift from
chemical-dependency farming and embrace organic farming because it is the
right way to go. I plan to grow both my product list and output capacity and
keep helping where I can."

Mohdhar Mohamed, founder of Morganics and Allied Ltd

-Howwemadeitinafrica

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