By Hattie Wright

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) pushed the conversation on food security into new territory on 31st July 2026, when experts, students, researchers, and industry leaders convened for a public lecture by Dr. Rahul P. Padwal on organic fertilizer manufacturing.

The lecture, themed “Organic Fertilizer Manufacturing: Process Optimization and Quality Enhancement for Sustainable Waste Management, Soil Health, and Food Security,” was a powerful reminder that waste can be transformed into wealth, and that soil remains the silent foundation of human survival.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, DVC Research, Innovations, Consultancy, and Extensions (RICE), set the tone for the day with a compelling reflection on the intersection between soil health, environmental stewardship, and national development. She highlighted that organic fertilizer is not merely an agricultural supplement but a critical tool in restoring degraded soils, improving crop yields, and reducing dependence on costly imported inorganic fertilizers.

Headlining the lecture, Dr. Rahul P. Padwal, CEO of Shriram Agro Industries in Pune, India, delivered a clear and compelling message: organic fertilizer is not just an agricultural input; it is a lifeline for a planet grappling with mounting food challenges.

“It is easy to produce compost and cheap as well, but you must comply with standards and safety parameters, such as ensuring fertilizers are pathogen-free,” Padwal said.

The Global Challenge

The urgency of his words was underscored by sobering statistics. According to the United Nations and FAO, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, demanding a 60% increase in food production. Yet, more than one-third of global soils are already degraded. With 95% of food dependent on soil fertility, the health of the earth beneath our feet may well determine the future of humanity.

Technology Meets Tradition

Padwal’s lecture bridged traditional composting practices with cutting-edge technology. He described how AI-driven monitoring systems can track temperature, moisture, and decomposition rates, offering real-time process control and predictive management. The benefits are striking: optimized nutrient retention, consistent product quality, reduced human error, and lower operating costs.

This fusion of science and sustainability paints a picture of organic fertilizer production that is smart, automated, and technology-driven.

The Making of Organic Fertilizer

Dr. Padwal walked participants through the meticulous production process:

• Raw material collection and characterization to ensure quality and prevent contamination
• Preprocessing through shredding, moisture adjustment, and carbon-nitrogen balancing
• Composting a controlled aerobic process where microorganisms transform waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer
• Quality inspection, curing, screening, drying, and testing before packaging and dispatch

Each stage reflects a delicate balance between natural biological processes and human innovation.

Uganda’s Policy Framework

Uganda’s National Fertilizer Policy has already laid the groundwork for promoting organic fertilizer manufacturing. The policy encourages local production, formalizes trade, and advocates for a balanced mix of organic, inorganic, and bio-fertilizers to restore soil health and support national food security goals.

Interactive Q&A Session: A Call to Action

The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants: students, researchers, and industry practitioners, engaged Dr. Padwal and KIU leadership with questions on practical challenges in local fertilizer production, opportunities for student-led innovation, regulatory standards and certification processes, and how Uganda can scale organic fertilizer manufacturing nationally

The session demonstrated strong enthusiasm and curiosity, reinforcing that the topic resonates deeply with Uganda’s agricultural and environmental priorities.

Looking Ahead

Padwal concluded with a vision of the future: one where organic fertilizer production is not only sustainable but also smart and automated. “The future of organic fertilizer is technology-driven,” he said, “ensuring better quality, higher efficiency, and consistent production.”

For KIU and Uganda, the lecture was more than an academic exercise. It was a call to action to embrace innovation, protect soil health, and secure food for generations to come.