International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has underscored the importance of stronger partnership between research institutions, universities, government and the private sector in modernising Malawi’s agricultural sector.
Director General for ICRISAT Himanshu Pathak said this in Lilongwe, during an interaction with different stakeholders on the role of agricultural research and innovation in strengthening food and nutrition security.
The ICRISAT Director General said among other things, the institution and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) have agreed to deepen collaboration in agricultural mechanisation, value addition, innovation and seed systems to accelerate Malawi’s food and agricultural transformation.
He said the focus is to move beyond, producing raw commodities, saying Mechanisation, value addition and strong seed systems are central to building a productive and competitive agricultural sector.
He noted that strengthening seed systems would be of paramount importance in ensuring that farmers have timely access to quality, improved and climate-resilient varieties.
Apart from interacting with officials from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), the ICRISAT Director General also visited Kakuyu Farms in Namitete and Chitedze Research Station.
By Owen Mavula
