Chitedze

Historical background
Makoka Agricultural Research Station (MARS) was established in 1967 as the headquarters of the now defunct Agricultural Research Council of Malawi (ARCM). It was, and still remains, the main centre for cotton research. After the dissolution of the ARCM on 31st March 1975, the station has been administered by the Department of Agricultural Research and Technical Services.

Location
Makoka Agricultural Research Station is located 15⁰32' South and 35⁰11' East at an altitude of 1029 meters above sea level. It is situated 20 kilometers south of Zomba and 55 km north-east of Blantyre. The station occupies an area of 200 hectares, of which 100 hectares are arable.

Climate
The station experiences annual average minimum and maximum temperature of 15.6⁰C and 25⁰C, respectively. The highest temperatures (34.4⁰C) are recorded in October/November whereas the lowest are recorded in May/June (8.5⁰C). The station receives an annual average rainfall of 1,044 mm most of which falls in five months from November to March.

Research Activities
Makoka Agricultural Research Station carries out research on cotton, other grain legumes (OGL) and plant protection. Scientists at the station also collaborate with other researchers in carrying out research on root and tuber crops, sunflower, soyabean, maize, paprika and groundnut. Makoka hosts the SADC/ICRAF Agroforestry Project, a referral programme that conducts research on agroforesry species and indigenous fruits.

Research facilities
Makoka Experiment Station has laboratories for the identification of cotton diseases and pests, a library and motor vehicle workshop. The station also has storage shades for handling research materials. There is also adequate land for field experiments.

Human Resources
Makoka Experimental Station is headed by an Assistant Director of Agricultural Research and Technical Services who is supported by technical as well as administrative staff as shown below:

MANAGEMENT/DIRECTORATE
Banda M.H.P.	Ph.D (Plant Breeding)	Assistant Director
Chamanga A.T.		Assistant Human Resource Management Officer
Mtawanga A (Mrs)	-	Clerical Officer
Kasilu S.I.	-	Copy Typist
Gondwe E.M.	-	Copy Typist
Chisale M.S	-	Senior Accounts Assistant
Mbungo W.	-	Senior Accounts Assistant
Chipatala G.A	Certificate in Agriculture	Assistant Farm Manager
GRAIN LEGUMES, OILSEEDS & FIBRES Cotton
Banda M.H.P.	PhD (Plant Breeding)	Assistant Director
Mkandawire R.W. (Mrs)	M.Sc. (Agronomy)	Agricultural Scientist
Ng’oma L.S.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Jambawe C.M.	M.Sc. (Breeeding)	Agricultural Scientist
.Kosimasi S.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Kadam'manja H	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Muhiwa L.R.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Assistant
HORTICULTURE Root and Tuber Crops
Phiri G.	Ph.D (Applied Entomology)	Principal Scientist
Chitete M.J.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Mleta T.H.E.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
PLANT PROTECTION SERVICES
Phiri G.	Ph.D (Applied Entomology)	Principal Scientist
Mtambo C.C. (Ms.)	M.Sc. (Applied Entomology)	Agricultural Scientist
Wakudyanaye H.K.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Kazoinetsa F.C	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer
Msyani G.W.T.	-	Laboratory Assistant
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Mlotha J.Y.S.	Certificate in Agriculture	Technical Officer