Chitedze

The main purpose of the seed certification and quality control team is to provide seed quality control checks in Malawi. The team comprises of the seed inspection and testing sections. Functions of the team are performed at at Chitedze, Lunyangwa, Lifuwu and Bvumbwe. The main seed laboratory at Chitedze is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Thus, Malawi has the capacity to produce good quality seed of important crops to international standards. Malawi is, currently, self-sufficient in good quality seed for hybrid maize and tobacco seed. The country has, however, to increase on the production of seed for other crops especially open pollinated cultivars.

Main activities

(i) conducting routine inspections on registered seed crops for certification,
(ii) evaluating existing seed production procedures and techniques,
(iii) monitoring the quality of seed, including imported and carry-over seeds,
(iv) conducting regular training in seed production, storage and distribution for extension and marketing personnel.
(v) advising institutions on seed issues in the country.
(vi) economic evaluation of hybrid maize detassling.
(ii) analysis of seed health problems for Malawi, and
(iii) post control check plot programme.

Achievements

(i)development of field and laboratory protocols for seed certification.
(ii)promotion of small scale seed production and marketing as a business by smallholder farmers, and
(iii)training seed producers in NGOs and other programmes.