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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
G 1939 Chitedze Bean 15
Bean Sugar bean 2,700 80 Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS
G 11982 Chitedze Bean 16
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
MH51STR (1113-1 STR)
White Maize
Striga tolerant
6,200 125 3 Way Cross, Striga resistance, Medium maturity, Flint grain texture, Disease tolerant
MH52STR (1113-5 STR)
White Maize
Striga tolerant
6,000 130 Striga resistance, Medium maturity, Flint grain texture, Disease tolerant, 3 Way Cross
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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])
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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
Uniqueness of the technology
Rich in vitamin A carotenoids, tolerant to drought and common maize diseases
Merit of the technology
Yields for the five hybrids are between 7&10 t/ha
Early to intermediate maturity
Disease tolerant
Evidence and justification
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.
Target region/country
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.
Affiliation and contact information of Researchers
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
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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
Uniqueness of the technology
Compared to traditional/landrace varieties, the newly released varieties possess traits of high yield, early maturity, disease resistance
Merit of the technology
Yield potential of 7 t/ha
Early maturity (less than 115 days),
Aromatic and long (7mm) grain
Disease tolerance
Evidence and justification
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
Other information In Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:
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)
Affiliation and contact information of Researchers
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
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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.
Uniqueness of the technology
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.
Merit of the technology
Water saving.
Time saving.
Labour saving.
Reduced conflict for water between irrigators.
Evidence and justification
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.
Other information In Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:
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.
Affiliation and contact information of Researchers
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)
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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
Uniqueness of the technology
Compared to traditional/landrace varieties, the newly released varieties possess traits of high yield, early maturity, disease resistance
Merit of the technology
Yield potential of 7 t/ha
Early maturity (less than 115 days),
Aromatic and long (7mm) grain
Disease tolerance
Evidence and justification
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
Other information In Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:
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)
Affiliation and contact information of Researchers
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])
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USE OF COMPOST MANURE IN SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)
Wiseman Kanyika
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.
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New Bean Varieties for Use in Malawi Virginia Chisale, Chitedze Research Station
[email protected] [email protected]
Bean Variety Description/Attributes
G 738 Chitedze Bean 14
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
G 1939 Chitedze Bean 15
APPSA
Market class: Sugar
Potential yield: 2.7 MT/ha
Growth habit: Bush
Days to flowering: 43
Days to maturity: 80
Other attributes: Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS
G 11982 Chitedze Bean 16
APPSA
Market class: Sugar
Potential yield: 2.5 MT/ha
Growth habit: Bush
Days to flowering: 43
Days to maturity: 80
Other attributes: Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS
SAA 20 Chitedze Bean 17
APPSA
Market class: Large white/ Potential yield: 2.5 MT/ha
Growth habit: Bush
Days to flowering: 36
Days to maturity: 75
Other attributes: Drought tolerant, high yield, tolerant to CBB, BCMV and ALS
CAL 96 Chitedze Bean 18
National Program
Market class: Red Mottled
Potential yield: 3 MT/ha
Growth habit: Bush
Days to flowering: 38
Days to maturity: 75
Other attributes: Drought tolerant, High yield to CBB, BCMV and ALS
DRK 47 Chitedze Bean 19
National Program
Market class: Red Mottled
Potential yield: 2.2 MT/ha
Growth habit: Bush
Days to flowering: 36
Days to maturity: 75
Other attributes: Drought tolerant, to CBB, BCMV and ALS
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.