Early-maturing wheat varieties ignite optimism among farmers

Farmers in Phalombe and Machinga districts are expressing their excitement over the ongoing trials of four wheat varieties that, if fully implemented, promise to be well-suited to different climates, early maturity and high yield.

This development is seen as a potential game-changer, with farmers hopeful that it will not only bring economic benefits but also address food deficits that have been impacting the districts.

The wheat trials, under the Program for Rural Irrigation Development (Pride)  in collaboration with Kasinthula Research Station with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad), aim to identify varieties that can thrive in the diverse climatic conditions of the country where the four varieties under consideration have shown promising results during the trial phase, with farmers highlighting their adaptability and early maturation as key factors that could contribute significantly to improving yields.

Mangani Hanke, a farmer in Phalombe district, expressed his optimism about the new wheat varieties.

“These varieties seem to respond well to our local climate. If they are fully implemented, we could see an increase in our wheat production, and that means more income for us.

“Early maturation is a crucial aspect for farmers in these districts, where weather patterns can be unpredictable. The new varieties, by maturing early, could potentially allow for multiple planting cycles in a year, increasing overall yield and income for farmers,” he said.

Loveness Baluwa, another farmer from Machinga district, echoed similar sentiments.

“We have faced food deficits due to climate-related challenges, and having wheat varieties that can adapt to different conditions is a step in the right direction. It not only secures our income but also ensures food security for our families and communities,” she remarked.

Agricultural experts involved in the trials are closely monitoring the performance of each variety, considering factors such as resistance to diseases, water requirements, and overall yield. The collaborative effort between farmers and researchers is seen as a positive approach to developing sustainable and effective solutions to local agricultural challenges.

Pride agriculture extension specialist, Isaac Munthali, highlighted that the country is dependent on Tsangano wheat, yielding less than a tonne per hectare. In contrast, the new varieties are capable of producing 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare.

He said: “There is a significant demand for wheat flour in the country where we import, and we are currently struggling to meet this demand with locally produced flour, which is also comparatively more expensive than the imported counterpart from other countries.

“The new varieties are cultivated in irrigation schemes that we have established in the districts as they are exhibit resilience, thriving under both drought and irrigation conditions.”

Kasinthula Research Station’s senior assistant agriculture research officer, Lazarus Chapo, stated that they assessed 80 wheat varieties, ultimately choosing 34 that demonstrated strong performance at the station.

“Six varieties were selected for testing under actual farming conditions, with four of them proving successful in the adaptive trial,” he said.