The launch of Dei Group Ltd’s Organic New Earth (O.N.E) fertilizer marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s agricultural sector, promising to tackle long-standing challenges of low productivity, soil degradation, and farmer incomes.
Uganda, a country where over 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture, according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS),has long grappled with declining soil fertility and minimal fertilizer use. Despite agriculture contributing about 24% to Uganda’s GDP and employing millions, productivity levels have remained stubbornly low, with fertilizer application averaging just 2 kilograms per hectare—far below the recommended 200 kg/ha for optimal output.
This stark gap has left Ugandan farmers unable to compete with their regional counterparts, limiting both food security and economic growth. The introduction of O.N.E fertilizer offers hope for reversing these trends. The organic product is engineered not only to improve crop yields but also to rehabilitate degraded soils, a critical need in a country battling the effects of soil exhaustion and climate change.
Game-Changer for Farmer Incomes and National Growth
Herbert Gasasira, Operations Manager at Dei Group, emphasized that O.N.E is designed to increase both the quality and quantity of yields. This improvement is expected to elevate farmer incomes, stimulate rural economies, and contribute to national food security. “By using O.N.E, we are not just nurturing crops—we are contributing food security for families and the nation at large,” Gasasira noted.
Dr. Mathias Magoola, Founder and Managing Director of Dei Biopharma Ltd, highlighted the broader economic opportunities, pointing to international markets. “The U.S. has a huge demand for agricultural products, and tapping into this can change Uganda’s economic landscape,” he said, reinforcing the potential of agriculture as a growth engine for the country.
Soil Healing and Climate Resilience
Agnes Mbabazi of the Agriculture Chamber underlined a crucial issue: Uganda’s vulnerability to climate change and the adverse effects of poor soil management. “Innovations like O.N.E will help heal our soils and combat these challenges,” she said. Mbabazi stressed that the low use of fertilizers has severely hampered Uganda’s agricultural productivity, and scaling up the use of organic fertilizers is essential to revitalize the sector.
A Divine Blessing for Uganda
Adding a powerful voice to the conversation, Jimmy Sherlock, CEO and Founder of Dei Organics, described the launch as nothing short of divine intervention. “This is a great blessing to Uganda; it could be the blessing that God promised—to heal our soil with such a transformative organic substance,” Sherlock said. “It will change the agricultural sector, boost incomes, and improve the livelihoods of Ugandans. This is a blessing from God Himself, delivered through this unique technology.”
Sherlock further explained the unique nature of O.N.E, drawing a critical distinction between synthetic and organic fertilizers: “Fertilizers are oil-based products but Organic New Earth is totally organic. This fertilizer feeds the soil, and the soil in turn feeds the plant as God intended it to be. This is a purely organic treatment that will take and make our plants truly organic.”
His remarks highlight the long-term vision of creating a sustainable, health-conscious agricultural system that benefits both the environment and human health.
The Cost Challenge: A Cry for Affordable Solutions
While the enthusiasm is palpable, the high cost of organic fertilizers has been a persistent barrier. Farmers across Uganda have repeatedly voiced concerns over the prohibitive prices of organic inputs, which have prevented widespread adoption despite their known benefits. As one farmer recently put it, “We have been crying out for the lowering of the cost of organics because it’s extremely high.”
This pain point will be crucial for Dei Group and policymakers to address if O.N.E is to reach its full potential. Lowering prices, introducing subsidies, or creating financing options could make the fertilizer accessible to the smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Uganda’s agriculture.
A New Agricultural Dawn?
The launch of O.N.E represents more than just a product; it symbolizes a shift towards sustainable, high-value farming in Uganda. If supported by effective distribution, affordable pricing, and farmer education, O.N.E could indeed change the narrative—leading to higher productivity, better incomes, and improved standards of living for millions of Ugandans.
With over 80% of Uganda’s population living in rural areas and depending heavily on agriculture, such innovations are not just business milestones—they are national imperatives.
Comparison: Organic (O.N.E) Fertilizer vs. Synthetic Fertilizers
| Aspect | O.N.E Organic Fertilizer | Synthetic Fertilizers |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% organic materials (natural plant & microbial-based) | Oil-based, chemically synthesized compounds |
| Soil Impact | Feeds and rejuvenates soil; improves soil structure & biodiversity | Can degrade soil health over time; risks of acidification |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly; promotes sustainability | Potential environmental pollution (water & soil) |
| Plant Nutrition | Slow-release; enhances soil-plant synergy | Fast-acting; risk of nutrient runoff |
| Health & Safety | Safe for humans, animals, and beneficial organisms | May leave chemical residues; health/environment concerns |
| Long-term Benefits | Builds long-term soil fertility and resilience | Often requires increasing doses over time |
| Cost | Typically higher upfront cost | Generally cheaper initially |
| Suitability | Best for sustainable & organic farming systems | Suitable for intensive, high-output farming |
