In preparation for the next planting season Demeter Seed is participating in ag-shows nationwide. This in order to connect with local farmers and inform them on the importance of good seed.
Because it starts with the seed. If the wrong seed is planted all the other inputs and efforts are wasted. If the genetic potential is not there, the optimum utilsation of inputs will not be possible.
Here some impressions.
Good food production starts with good farmers planting good seed. To make this possible Demeter Seed of Malawi puts a lot of effort into training it’s agro-dealer distributors for professsional product knowledge and timey distribution.
For this Demeter Seed is holding various workshops at key centres throughout Malawi in order to be well prepared for the next planting season and provide the Malawi farmers with the tools they need to provide sufficient food for the nation.
Happy Easter! Have a safe and relaxing long weekend!
Seed companies are a crucial partner in efforts to raise smallholder farmer productivity and achieve food and nutrition security. For the second time, the Access to Seeds Index shines a light on companies taking the lead in reaching smallholder farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa ranking Demeter Seed of Malawi 13th.
Demeter Seed joins the nation as we commemorate Martyrs Day. In remembrance of the heroes who fought for our freedom. #MartyrsDay
Martyr’s day: Tale of every Malawian – Read more >>
MG Press release Lilongwe 27/2//2019 – Malawi is expecting to have bumper harvest this year following preliminary crop estimates showing that maize production is projected at 3,387,587 metric tons, representing 25.6 percent increase in production as compared to the 2017/18 final round estimates of 2,697,959 metric tons.
This increase in production is attributed to increase in yields due to favourable weather conditions and increase in inputs uptake by farmers.
Addressing the new conference on Tuesday morning, in the capital Lilongwe Minister of Agriculture Joseph Mwanamveka attributed the increase in maize production to increased number of beneficiaries, improved availability and accessibility of seed and fertilizer. (Major thrust Demeter Seed)
Recently the Malawi seed sector stakeholders convened in lilongwe to discuss SADC Harmonised Seed Regulations Dialogue and TASAI Malawi Research Findings.
The primary objective of harmonization of seed regulations is to achieve effciencies by integrating smaller and isolated national seed markets into one larger SADC market for seed. This, in turn, will enhance entry in the Region of new improved varieties and ease the movement of quality seed from countries with surplus to countries in need of seed. Both national and regional seed suppliers will find SADC a more attractive market. Lower costs and simpler administration will further encourage local, small-scale seed producers and suppliers to expand their activities.
The overall benefits will be increased investments in the seed sector, increased seed production, more varieties available, and increased competition. In the end, farmers will be offered access to a wider portfolio of quality seed products at more affordable prices. For the region, this will contribute to seed and food security, and thus support efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty.
More news on this event:
To grow properly, plants need water, light and air. They also need nutrients from the soil, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. All of these are important – but phosphorus especially, because it affects the plant early in its life. The plant needs it to build its root system, which is the basis for taking up other nutrients. Without enough phosphorus, plants are stunted and yield little.
Market waste can be an important source of compost
A must read for all engaged with smallholder farmers in Malawi.
Click on link below to get electronic Pdf document.
Fall armyworm control for smallholders – FAO publication Jan 2019
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