New Seaweed-Based Input Cuts Chemical Fertiliser Need
The seaweed-based product Kaylix allows farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser application by 25 percent.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Is now a good time for farmers to invest in alternative agricultural inputs to lower costs?
Zentide is expanding its production of Kaylix, a seaweed-based agricultural product, by constructing a new facility in Lombok, Indonesia. The product allows farmers to reduce their use of chemical fertilisers by 25% while maintaining current farming routines.
Why it matters
The move to increase capacity comes as demand for sustainable agricultural inputs grows, aiming to provide a viable alternative to conventional, subsidised chemical fertilisers for rice farmers and others.
The manufacturer reports that Kaylix allows for a 25% reduction in chemical fertiliser application across 40 different crop types. The exact cost-effectiveness of this product compared to traditional subsidised fertilisers remains unknown.
The players
Zentide
An agricultural technology company that develops seaweed-based inputs for sustainable farming practices.
The details
Kaylix is a seaweed-based input designed to integrate into existing farming routines to minimize the need for behavioral changes. The upcoming Lombok facility is designed to support a production capacity of 30,000 litres per month to meet commercial demand. Future efforts include developing a lower-cost variant specifically to compete with state-subsidised fertiliser products commonly used in rice production.
Timeline
Zentide received commercial approval for Kaylix in 2025.
The company established market presence over 10 months from December 2025 to October 2026.
Health Landscape
The push to scale seaweed-based inputs reflects a broader industry shift toward bio-based alternatives to synthetic nitrogen-based fertilisers. This transition aims to address environmental and health concerns linked to agricultural chemical runoff in food production systems.
Reducing synthetic fertiliser use may influence the long-term nutritional profile and chemical safety of staple crops like rice. Consumers interested in these food production changes should follow updates on how bio-based inputs impact crop yields and food quality.
The takeaway
Zentide's expansion indicates a growing market for seaweed-derived agricultural alternatives that could lower reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Keep track of how these new inputs perform in diverse soil types as they scale from regional pilots to larger agricultural markets.
Further reading
Learn more about the environmental benefits of sustainable production in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgNavigator.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for farmers to invest in alternative agricultural inputs to lower costs?
