a technology & dissemination profile for agro...

1

A TECHNOLOGY & DISSEMINATION PROFILE FOR AGRO-TECHNOLOGIES RELEASED UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM FOR SOUTHERN

AFRICA (APPSA) FOR USE IN MALAWI A WORLD BANK INITIATIVE

Compiled by Hector Malaidza

Department of Agricultural Research Services

P.O. Box 30779, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

www.dars.mw

April, 2018 SUMMARY OF SEED VARIETIES RELEASED BY APPSA SUB-PROJECT FOR USE IN MALAWI

Variety Name

Crop Category Yield (Kg/Ha)

Days to Maturity

Characteristics

Mpheta Rice Aromatic 7,000 112 Tolerant to rice diseases, long grain (7mm) and early maturing.

Nanzolo Rice Aromatic 7,000 112 Tolerant to rice diseases, long grain (7mm) and early maturing.

G 738 Chitedze Bean 14

Bean Red Kidney 2,500 75 Drought tolerant, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS


Bean Sugar bean 2,700 80 Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS


Bean Sugar bean 2,500 80 Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS

SAA 20 Chitedze Bean 17

Bean Large white

2,500 75 Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS

MH45A (APPSA03)

Orange Maize

Pro Vit A 2,700 130 It has Vitamin A level of 5.5 µg/g It has Zeaxanthin level of 8.7 µg/g DW Carotene colour intensity score of 2.1

MH46A (APPSA06)

Orange Maize

Pro Vit A 8,000 128 It has a Vitamin A level of 6.5 µg/g It has Xyanthin level of 8.9 µg/g DW Carotene colour intensity score of 1.8

MH47A (APPSA08)

Orange Maize

Pro Vit A 7,000 130 It has a Vitamin A level of 4.8 µg/g It has Zeaxanthin level of 7.5µg/g DW Carotene colour intensity score of 2.8

MH48A APPSA09

Orange Maize

Pro Vit A 7,000 130 It has a Vitamin A level of 5.6 µg/g It has Zeaxanthin level of 5.6 µg/g DW Carotene colour intensity score of 2.4

MH49A APPSA13

Orange Maize

Pro Vit A 6,000 132 It has a Vitamin A level of 3.4µg/g It has Zeaxanthin level of 9.3 µg/g DW Carotene colour intensity score of 2.1

MH50STR (0501-2 STR)

White Maize

Striga tolerant

7,000 120 Striga resistance, 3 Way Cross, Medium maturity, Flint grain texture, Disease tolerant


White Maize

Striga tolerant

6,200 125 3 Way Cross, Striga resistance, Medium maturity, Flint grain texture, Disease tolerant


White Maize

Striga tolerant

6,000 130 Striga resistance, Medium maturity, Flint grain texture, Disease tolerant, 3 Way Cross

http://www.dars.mw/

2

MZ-P07-2013: Screening and promotion of Striga resistant/tolerant maize in Malawi,

Mozambique and Zambia

Name of Technology

Three striga resistant maize hybrid varieties: MH50STR, MH51STR & MH52STR

Uniqueness of the technology

The newly released varieties possess traits of resistance to striga, high yield, medium maturity, disease resistance

Merit of the technology

Striga resistance (3)

Yield potential of 7 t/ha

Medium maturity (120-130 days),

Flint grain texture (2.5)

Disease tolerance

Evidence and justification

This project screened and selected striga resistant, high-yielding hybrid varieties that had preferred grain traits.

Widespread adoption of these striga resistant high-yielding varieties in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will lead to increase in productivity of maize in striga infested smallholder farms above the present average of 1.0 t/ha to at least, 2.5 t/ha.

There will be significant contribution to food security and cash income for smallholder maize farmers in the three countries.

Target region/country

Major maize growing areas in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia where striga parasitic weeds are a problem

Gender relevance Women farmers will particularly benefit from these new maize varieties because smallholder farm operations, in the three countries, are mostly done by women.

These new striga resistant maize varieties will also benefit youth farmers in target areas

Other information In Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:

The project directly involved 80 maize farmers in field testing, and approximately more than 25,000 farmers participating during field days of which 30% were female farmers.

The direct and indirect beneficiaries and target group of this project was approximately 100,000 (including maize farmers, middlemen, seed producers, consumers)

5kg of breeder seed of each of the varieties will be planted during winter 2018 to increase seed which will be used for mounting country wide demonstrations for farmer awareness and some will be given to potential seed companies for further multiplication in Malawi

Affiliation and contact information of Researchers

Department of Agricultural Research Services, Malawi (Cyprian Mwale, +265 999 318 544, [email protected]) (Geckem Dambo,+265 999 126 684, [email protected]

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute, Zambia (Abraham Mukobe, +260 996 663 980, [email protected])

Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Mozambique, Mozambique (Manuel Armindo Temo, + 258 825 179 965, [email protected])

mailto:[email protected]

3

MZ-P01-2013: Improving Nutritional quality in Maize in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique

Name of Technology

Five carotene or orange maize hybrids: MH45A,MH46A,MH47A,MH48A and MH49A


Rich in vitamin A carotenoids, tolerant to drought and common maize diseases


Yields for the five hybrids are between 7&10 t/ha

Early to intermediate maturity

Disease tolerant


The hybrids were bred in Malawi using inbred lines from CIMMYT.

Were evaluated in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

Joint selections by maize breeding teams for DARS and ZARI was done during exchange visits and Farmer Participatory variety selections(PVS) was done in Malawi.


Major maize growing areas in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Gender relevance Good poundability and high number of rows per cob: MH49A ranked number one by women while MH46A ranked number one by Men

Other information The hybrids were stable across the three countries (Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia) They were tolerant to drought.


Department of Agricultural Research Services, Malawi (Kaonga K.K.E, +265 888361970/ +265992097706 [email protected] )

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute, Zambia (Kabamba Mwansa, +260 966725959, [email protected] )

Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Mozambique, Mozambique (Pedro Fato + 258 829868189, [email protected] )

MH45A MH46A MH47A




4

RC-P06-2014: Participatory evaluation of improved rice varieties to increase productivity

in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Name of Technology Two improved rice varieties: Mpheta and Nanzolo


Compared to traditional/landrace varieties, the newly released varieties possess traits of high yield, early maturity, disease resistance



Early maturity (less than 115 days),

Aromatic and long (7mm) grain

Disease tolerance


This project evaluated, selected and disseminated high-yielding rice varieties that had preferred grain traits.

Widespread adoption of these high-yielding varieties in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will lead to increase in productivity above the present combined average of 1.6 t/ha to, at least, 2 t/ha, representing a 30% increase.

There will be significant contribution to food security and cash income for rice farmers in the three countries.

Target region/country Major rice growing areas in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Gender relevance Women farmers will be particularly benefit from these new rice varieties because rice farm operations, in the three countries, are mostly done by women.

The new rice varieties will be of immense benefit to youthful farmers


The project directly involved 72 rice farmers in field testing, and 4,500 rice farmers in participatory evaluation

The direct and indirect beneficiaries and target group of this project was approximately 15,000 (including rice farmers, middlemen, seed producers, consumers)

Slightly over 18,000 hectares of rice production land will be planted to the improved varieties by December 2018 (based on average rice land-holding size of 1.2ha in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia)


Department of Agricultural Research Services, Malawi (Tenyson Mzengeza, +265 999 145 004, [email protected])

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute, Zambia (Mweshi Mukanga, +260 968674107, [email protected])

Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Mozambique, Mozambique (Herminio Abade, + 258 824456070, [email protected])

MH48A MH48A


5

Sub-Project No. MZ - P09 - 2013: Improving water use efficiency in maize production in

Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Name of Technology Alternate furrow irrigation for maize production.


Alternate furrow irrigation technique demonstrated higher water use efficiency achieved with water use reductions of 25% at on-farm trials, with no effect on yields and grain quality.


Water saving.

Time saving.

Labour saving.

Reduced conflict for water between irrigators.


This project evaluated, selected and disseminated water saving irrigation technique (alternate furrow irrigation, Crop Stage – based irrigation technique and efficient water use maize varieties that reduced time and labour for irrigation as well as conflict for water among irrigators.

20 – 30 maize varieties were evaluated for water use efficiency in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

22 Field days conducted and participated by about 1,257 farmers (655 males and 602 females) against a target of 2000 in Malawi, 120 out of 150 farmers in Mozambique.

Zambia managed to produce three articles plus one article in draft form out of planned 3 articles.

713 farmers trained in water use efficiency.

Widespread adoption of this water efficient technology in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will lead to increased area for irrigated agriculture and increase in productivity above the present average maize yield.

There will be significant contribution to food security and cash income as farmers will produce maize with limited water resources in the three countries.

Target country Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Gender relevance Women farmers will be particularly benefit from this water saving irrigation technique because they will have ample time to do domestic work as most irrigation operations, in the three countries, are mostly done by women.

The youth will easily have joined agriculture with such innovative irrigation technique there by beneficial to youthful farmers.


The project directly involved 90, 30 and 25 irrigation farmers in field testing in the five irrigation schemes of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

The direct and indirect beneficiaries and target group of this project was approximately 4,000 stallholder farmers and 38 Extension Officers.


Department of Agricultural Research Services, Malawi (Dr. Isaac Fandika, +265 999 336 212, [email protected])

University of Zambia, Zambia (Dr. Elijah Phiri, +260 97 7781655, [email protected]

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique (Dr. Sebastiao Famba, +258 82 396 1320, and Dr. Alfredo Nhantumbo)


6

Sub-Project No. RC-P06-2014: Participatory evaluation of improved rice varieties to

increase productivity in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Name of Technology

Two improved rice varieties: Mpheta and Nanzolo


Compared to traditional/landrace varieties, the newly released varieties possess traits of high yield, early maturity, disease resistance



Early maturity (less than 115 days),

Aromatic and long (7mm) grain

Disease tolerance


This project evaluated, selected and disseminated high-yielding rice varieties that had preferred grain traits.

Widespread adoption of these high-yielding varieties in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will lead to increase in productivity above the present combined average of 1.6 t/ha to, at least, 2 t/ha, representing a 30% increase.

There will be significant contribution to food security and cash income for rice farmers in the three countries.


Major rice growing areas in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Gender relevance Women farmers will be particularly benefit from these new rice varieties because rice farm operations, in the three countries, are mostly done by women.

The new rice varieties will be of immense benefit to youthful farmers


The project directly involved 72 rice farmers in field testing, and 4,500 rice farmers in participatory evaluation

The direct and indirect beneficiaries and target group of this project was approximately 15,000 (including rice farmers, middlemen, seed producers, consumers)

Slightly over 18,000 hectares of rice production land will be planted to the improved varieties by December 2018 (based on average rice land-holding size of 1.2ha in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia)


Department of Agricultural Research Services, Malawi (Tenyson Mzengeza, +265 999 145 004, [email protected])

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute, Zambia (Mweshi Mukanga, +260 968674107, [email protected])

Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Mozambique, Mozambique (Herminio Abade, + 258 824456070, [email protected])


7

USE OF COMPOST MANURE IN SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)

Wiseman Kanyika

[email protected]

[email protected]

Baka Research Station, Box 97, Karonga, Malawi

Types of compost manure recommended for rice farmers

1) Compost manure made from pulverized rice hulls/bran and cattle manure

2) Compost manure made from top soil and cattle manure

3) Compost manure made from top soil and chicken manure

4) Compost manure made from rice straw and cattle manure

Rates of applying compost manure

a) Compost from pulverized rice hulls/bran and cattle manure 3.5 tons ha-1

b) Compost manure from top soil and cattle manure 5.1 tons ha-1

c) Compost manure from top soil and chicken manure 5.4 tons ha-1

d) Compost manure from rice straw and cattle manure 4.7 tons ha-1

Rates of applying compost manure per plot (0.1 ha)

a) Compost manure from pulverized rice hulls/bran and cattle manure 350 kg

b) Compost manure from top soil and cattle manure 510 kg

c) Compost manure from top soil and chicken manure 540 kg

d) Compost manure from rice straw and cattle manure 470 kg

Method and time of applying compost manure

Compost manure should be applied after levelling the field in readiness for

transplanting. The compost manure is broadcast evenly in the whole plot using

hands. Transplanters should trample it into the soil during the process of transplanting.

The advantage of using compost manure is that it is applied once before

transplanting only. Application of compost manure every season will make the

farmer realize increasing benefits from season to season.

The application rate for the size of the field of a particular farmer should importantly

be known during the time of making manure (June) by the farmer seeking guidance

from the extension staff in his area or rice research staff.

Procedures for Producing Compost Manure

Each type of compost has a specific procedure of composting. See the attached

extension Circular for more details.



8

New Bean Varieties for Use in Malawi Virginia Chisale, Chitedze Research Station

[email protected] [email protected]

Bean Variety Description/Attributes


APPSA

Market class: Red Kidney

Potential yield: 2.5 MT/ha

Growth habit: Bush

Days to flowering: 36

Days to maturity: 75

Other attributes: Drought tolerant, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS


APPSA

Market class: Sugar


Growth habit: Bush



Other attributes: Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS


APPSA

Market class: Sugar


Growth habit: Bush




SAA 20 Chitedze Bean 17

APPSA

Market class: Large white/ Potential yield: 2.5 MT/ha

Growth habit: Bush




CAL 96 Chitedze Bean 18

National Program

Market class: Red Mottled

Potential yield: 3 MT/ha

Growth habit: Bush



Other attributes: Drought tolerant, High yield to CBB, BCMV and ALS

DRK 47 Chitedze Bean 19

National Program

Market class: Red Mottled


Growth habit: Bush



Other attributes: Drought tolerant, to CBB, BCMV and ALS



9

DISSEMINATION PLAN

Introduction

The Department of Agricultural Research Services is conducting a number of

research activities on crop and livestock commodities through the National Programs

and Donor funded programs. Many at times outputs of research and development

(R&D) do not reach the intended audience effectively or rather not enough

awareness is done. Consequently, it is difficult to account the returns on R&D

investment. Consequently, requesting for financial and technical support for

agricultural R&D activities from public coffer does not carry weight. Therefore, this

calls for the need to enhance awareness of the newly released technologies among

potential users including smallholder farmers. This concept intensification awareness

of the current R&D efforts through the following dissemination activities:

1) Integrating into the Seed Systems Approach

When a technology have just been released, availability of seed for use in

demonstrations and other extension is a challenge. This time, the dissemination team

will closely work with individual scientists to multiply nucleus seeds. This will be

integrated in the usual scientist seed multiplication programs.

Entry Points

Maize: Winter line multiplication and development of crosses.

Rice: Get integrated in their multiplication programs

Beans: Will be part of their winter program. We have collectively started for searching

for appropriate winter sites.

It should be also realized by the Ministry of Agriculture (and it’s departments) that this

is an opportunity for commercialization. The ministry can spearhead a seed

multiplication initiative where the output can be sold.

10

2) Using the Model Village Approach

This will be led by the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) and the

responsible officer is Mr. Liwewe. DAES is already leading in using model villages in

evaluation and promotion of technologies being handled by APPSA sub-projects.

3) Agricultural Radio and TV Programs (ARTPs) - (10 – 15 minutes long): on

“Research in Progress” Magazine Program. Every APPSA project needs its own

program that should be developed collectively by MBC, TIMES and ZODIAK media

houses. The intro- and outro- of the program should have a youthful music tastes

with a songs expressing the importance of agricultural research and lucrativeness

of farming business. (Two to three programs can be done in the next 2 weeks

before the March 2018 World Bank visit). Note: All these dissemination activities

have to continue after the World Bank mission.

4) Jingles: APPSA jingle should continue to be broadcasted on all main radio

stations as well as community radio stations.

The newly released APPSA technologies should have own jingles that should

be developed and broadcasted on all main radio stations as well as

community radio stations.

5) Agriculture Educational Videos - AEVs (10–15 minutes long): These should be

generated for all commodities whose research is being handled by APPSA. Each

commodity should have a separate detailed videos demonstrating the whole

value chain from production, value addition, marketing among others. Similarly,

these programs should have an intro- and outro- with a youthful music taste with a

song expressing the importance of agricultural research and lucrativeness of

farming business. Two to three programs can be done in the next 2 weeks before

the March 2018 World Bank visit.

11

6) Policy Briefs

Printed extension circulars, factsheets or fliers that should be specifically

circulated to the parliamentary committee on agriculture. We now have a

direct link after their visit to DARS in March 2018. These materials should also

be available in translated formats. Mr. Liwewe should provide an expert to

assist in vetting translated materials.

Video briefs (Less than 3 minutes clips, generated in jingle format)

7) Service Provider’s Technology Shows (Mini-Field Days)

These aim at bringing awareness to extension service providers and other

stakeholders that will help in up-scaling the newly released APPSA

technologies.

Only two shows of this kind will be held. One per year, immediately before

harvest of most crops. This gives an opportunity to select seed technologies

whilst crops are still standing in the field.

This year it should be synchronized with various commodity teams to have

seed available dissemination.

All recently released APPSA technologies as well as promising technologies

under research should be showcased on these mini-field days.

8) Publications

A compilation of technologies released by APPSA

Printing out of extension circulars for technologies released by APPSA as well

as for technologies being up scaled by APPSA

Policy briefs.

9) Specialist Trainings to extension staff: to technically equip frontline extension staff

especially Agricultural Extension Officers-AEDOs, Agricultural Extension

Development Coordinators-AEDCs and subject matter specialists-SMSs across the

three regions. One training per region. To be conducted with DAES (Mr. Liwewe)

12

10) Continue Working with Existing and new On-Line Platforms

i. Collection of pictures, improving them through graphic designing and

uploading them as well as circulating them to interested parties in DARS for

use.

ii. Collection and uploading of ARTPs, AEVs, APPSA reports,

iii. DARS website

iv. DARS Facebook

v. DARS Tweeter

vi. DARS YouTube

vii. DARS Blog (Google)

viii. APPSA D group – under development

ix. Need (not a want) a very capable intern (Extension, ICT or Journalism

graduate) intern equipped with a Laptop and a Desktop to continually

handle and update on-line platforms.

11) Regional Success Stories

Should follow the provided Cardessa format

Zambians travelled and captured on groundnut upscaling in Malawi.

Malawi team should also travel and capture on maize post-harvest project

and three other stories. Dissemination teams from the three countries can

travel and document together the success stories for technologies

successful in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. The Malawi side have

already drafted two stories.

The released technologies should be grouped in a single success story e.g.

Released Maize storage, Pro-Vitamins and Striga tolerant maize varieties

should be packaged in one story, so as rice technologies and the others.

a technology & dissemination profile for agro...

Documents