Smallholder Seed Production in Malawi ASMAG

Introduction Malawi seed farmers are coordinated under ASMAG through FANRPAN Project. The pilot project has 44 farmers on board who are producing seeds. Seed crops grown are a follows: – OPV Maize Varieties – Soybeans – Beans – Ground nuts

Introduction cont’d In 2011/12 cropping season the total area for seed multiplication under the project is 44 ha. The yields achieved were: – Maize yields 3 mt/ha – Beans yield 1mt/ha – Ground nuts yield 1 mt/ha – Soybean 1.5 mt/ha Seed processing: – Primary processing almost complete – Secondary processing to be done by 30 th September

Introduction cont’d Seed certification process: – Registration – Field inspections (3 times) – Sampling – Laboratory testing (Purity and Germination) Seed pricing – According to STAM (MK625 for G/Nuts, MK300for Maize, MK 450 for Soybeans) – Currently it is profitable

Challenges Market process (delays in payments and logistics which affects preparation for the season) High competition resulting in left over seeds for smallholder compare to companies Accessing on basic seed (Legume seeds) Climate change factors (erratic rains, droughts) Pest and diseases Hiccups from farmer groups delays in seed certification processes Transportation of seeds to agrodealers

Work plan September-December 2012 Objective Activities Stakehold ers Required resources Outputs Time frame By when? 1.Ensure quality of seeds Secondary Processing and Bagging Seed growers and SSU Bags Chemicals Quality seed on the market 30 th September Registration of growers 30 th September 2.Enhance marketing of seeds Delivery to Marketing point 31 st October 3.Enhacing smallholder seed growers capacity Training on Seed Production Seed growers SSU Trainers Learning materials 36 farmers trained 31 st October

Work plan cont’d Objective ActivitiesStakeholders Required resources Outputs Time frame By when? 4. Increase production of certified seed by smallholder seed growre Procureme nt of fertilizers, seeds and chemicals ASMAG Funds available All inputs purchased and distributed 30 th September

How to benefit from Harmonization Up scaling of seed for the ready market

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