Farmers tout maize varieties

Farmers in Dedza have said they expect bumper yields courtesy of Seed Co Malawi maize varieties.

They said this yesterday during a field day in Nyangu II Village, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in the district. 

Speaking on his plot along the M1, Philemon Madetsa said the variety he grew performed beyond expection.

He said when the company approached him to try their variety, he accepted.

Said Madetsa: “I got SC 649- Mkango and planted on one acre of land.

“We worked with extension workers from the company and I followed their instructions.”

He said after 128 days, the maize had matured.

“I expect to harvest about 80 bags as compared to last year when I got 20,” said Madetsa.

On his part, group village head Nyangu II said he was impressed with the demonstration fields.

“We are ready to start using the varieties because we have seen that they are good,” he said.

Nyangu encouraged farmers to listen to the company’s radio programmes so that they can make informed decisions.

In an interview, Seed Co Malawi agronomist James Mtiesa said they are promoting their varieties to help people fight food insecurity.

He said: “We have varieties for different places depending on the rainfall patterns.

“We had nine varieties in Dedza and they have done well.”

Mtiesa said the field day attracted a lot of farmers who wanted to learn and ask questions on their varieties.

The field visit also extended to soya demonstration plots where farmers planted Soya Squire and Serenadete varieties which have also done well.