Farmers in Lilongwe have been advised to use maize hybrids which are bred locally at Chitedze Research Station because they are adaptable to the local weather conditions. The advice was made by Funwe Farm Limited (FFL) marketing manager Wed Chipungu.
As Funwe we have embarked on improving on varieties such as MH 26 and MH 30 which are not only high yielding but also disease resistant,” said Chipungu.
To date, FFL has grown and sold over 1 600 tonnes of certified seed which has generated a net gain of at least $25 million to the GDP of Malawi. Funwe has two leasehold farms totalling 1 040 hectares, a basic processing facility and a network of local agrodealers for marketing its products.
Currently, Funwe seed is producing the hybrid seeds such as MH 26 (Chiphona) and MH 26 (Chiphona) which are tolerant to maize streak virus and grey leaf spot, suitable for both winter and rain fed planting. MH 26 (Chiphona) is adaptable to all areas in the country because it is bred locally by Malawian breeders and tried in all areas successfully.
Funwe seed also produces legume seed like pigeon peas, groundnuts, soya, cow peas and beans.
