Usaid invests K47m in seed processing plant at Bunda

United States Agency for International Development (USaid) has pumped K47 million in a seed processing unit at Bunda, a constituent college of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) in Lilongwe.

The unit is part of the agricultural innovation partnership programme.

USaid mission director in Malawi Doug Aburckle said the investment is in support of the Feed the Future Agriculture Innovations Partnership (Ffaip), which was launched by last year.

“This partnership strengthens seed science and technology education and extension. It does this through the development of relevant seed science and technology courses.

“The seed processing unit is a continuation of these important strategic interventions. Less than a quarter of Malawian farmers have access to quality seed and, as Usaid, we are proud to be part of the solution,” he said at the ceremony last Thursday.

The plant has three cleaning, gravity separation, grading equipment and destoner and packer equipment.

Lunar vice-chancellor Professor Kanyama Phiri said the innovation partnership comprise Luanar, Cornell University in the USA and Sathguru consultants from India but supported by USaid.

“In less than a year, we are witnessing the fruit of this partnership, which is assisting the production of pre-basic and basic legume seed production at Luanar.

“Seed processing is another area that needs urgent attention in the country and this seed processing unit will go a long way in assisting students and faculty members and other seed companies,” he said.

Seed Trade Association (Stam) chairperson John Lungu expressed happiness with the plant.

“The seed industry is delighted with what the agriculture partnership has delivered. This plant will help in the growth and development of the seed industry.

“The graduates will now have practical knowledge of seed processing and, therefore, reduce the cost of on the job training,” he said.