Lack of a seed policy in Malawi may be hampering efforts in agroforestry, explains an article in Blantyre Newspapers Online.

“Introduction of fruit tree crops and forestry trees under various projects has resulted in the establishment of seedling nurseries across the country but nothing has been done in terms of registration and certification in order to provide clients with good quality planting materials,” said Amon Phiri, Horticulture Officer in the Department of Crop Development, during a training session organized by the World Agroforestry Centre.

The training was one in a series of regional seminars as part of the Centre’s Agroforestry Food Security Programme funded by Irish Aid. The seminars for nursery and agroforestry farmers aim to overcome gaps in quality in the fruit sector.

The Malawi National Seed Policy which was developed in 1993 aims to provide clear guidelines on the development and promotion of the seed industry but it has been “on the shelf” for 22 years and is now under review. The article says the absence of a seed policy means the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development is grappling with seed certification standards among nursery and agroforestry farmers.

Phiri believes the policy will help the government to enforce standards among nursery farmers so that they can increase agricultural productivity, food security, employment creation and poverty alleviation.

Read the full story: Seed policy shelved for 22 years