Chitedze

Historical Background

Chitala sub-station was established in 1929 by the Empire Cotton Growing Company (ECGC) for cotton experimental work and was handed over to the Department of Agricultural Research in 1956. Its mandate was expanded to include research work on other annual crops and livestock (mainly the Malawi Zebu and range management).

Research Activities

Chitala sub-station conducts research mainly on cotton, maize, sorghum, livestock and range management, root and tuber crops, legumes and other grain legumes. Most of the activities are carried out in collaboration with the main research stations.

Location

Chitala sub-station is 30km west of Salima (130 40' S 340 15' E). It is at an altitude of 606 m above sea level. The sub-station has a total of 485 ha of land, of which 361 ha is natural pasture and woodland.

Climate

The sub-station has a mean annual rainfall of about 800 mm most of which falls within three months between December/January and March. Mean maximum annual temperature is 28⁰C and mean minimum is 16⁰C.

Research facilities

Chitala sub-station has a large storage area for experimental material handling and adequate for research work.

Human Resources

Chitala is headed by the Chief Technical Officer who is assisted by several staff members shown below:

Management/Directorate

Name	Qualification	Designation
Ntuana L.R.	Diploma in Agriculture	Officer-In-Charge, Chief Technical Officer
Kachule P.S	Certificate in Agriculture	Farm Manager/Technical Officer
Chigaru A. P. S.	JCE	CO HRM
Nangwale J. B.	MSCE	CO Accounts
Cereals
Ntuana L.R.	Diploma in Agriculture	Chief Technical Officer
Chimphamba A.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Oil Seeds
Kachule P.S	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Roots and Tuber Crops
Dzuunde J.E.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Mkandawire A.W.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Cotton
Chinkango S.S.	Certificate in Agriculture	Senior Technical Assistant
Livestock
Kachule P.S	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer