ECM, Peacock Seeds to support farmers
Peacock Seeds has donated hybrid maize seeds to Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom) Caritas Malawi to help farmers to plant again.
The K9.6 million seed donation is a response to the appeal the Catholic bishops made to solicit help to assist people affected by Tropical Storm Ana in the country.
The seeds will benefit 4 800 farming households in four dioceses of Mangochi, Chikwawa, Zomba and Blantyre.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic bishops in Malawi, ECM general secretary Father Henry Saindi described the donation as timely.
“What Peacock Seeds has done is unique because maize seeds are crucial in rebuilding the livelihoods of survivors,” he said.
Peacock Seeds production and factory manager Matthews Sikwese said the improved seed varieties will enable the affected farmers to recover from the shocks they experienced.
“We have donated 4.8 tonnes of Peacock MH30 and Peacock 10 varieties. These are medium maturing varieties and are suitable for winter cropping and irrigation farming,” he said.
Cadecom Caritas Malawi national coordinator Chimwemwe Sakunda-Ndhlovu said the church will use its structures to distribute the maize seeds to intended families.
Last week, ECM also donated assorted items to flood survivors in Chikwawa District
