SEED STATUS REPORT FOR MALAWI SEED STATUS REPORT FOR MALAWI

F.W. Maideni (PhD), G. Kaudzu, G.A. Timeyo PhiriF.W. Maideni (PhD), G. Kaudzu, G.A. Timeyo Phiri

Ministry of Agriculture and Food SecurityMinistry of Agriculture and Food Security

Department of Agriculture and Food SecurityDepartment of Agriculture and Food Security

Chitedze Research Station Chitedze Research Station

P.O. Box 158P.O. Box 158

LilongweLilongwe

MalawiMalawi

Outline Provided by FANRPANOutline Provided by FANRPAN

Overview of seed policy, seed laws and plant breeders Overview of seed policy, seed laws and plant breeders rights legislation.rights legislation.Crop variety testing, registration and release processCrop variety testing, registration and release processSeed certificationSeed certificationQuarantine and phytosanitory measures for seedQuarantine and phytosanitory measures for seedChanges necessary to align with harmonized seed Changes necessary to align with harmonized seed legislation protocolslegislation protocolsImplementing institution/s’ capacity and challenges Implementing institution/s’ capacity and challenges faced.faced.

1.0 Introduction1.0 Introduction

Availability of high quality seed is crucial to Availability of high quality seed is crucial to achieving food security and social and economic achieving food security and social and economic growth in Malawi. growth in Malawi.

The benefits from the distribution and use of good The benefits from the distribution and use of good quality seed are enormousquality seed are enormous..

Increased and sustained crop productivityIncreased and sustained crop productivity

Increased household incomes Increased household incomes

Reduced risks from pest and disease pressureReduced risks from pest and disease pressure

Production patterns would become more Production patterns would become more

predictable and sustainablepredictable and sustainable. .

1.1 Seed Certification Institution1.1 Seed Certification Institution

The Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit in The Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit in Malawi was established in 1976 and is the official Malawi was established in 1976 and is the official seed certification institution in Malawi. seed certification institution in Malawi.

Its activities are coordinated at Chitedze Research Its activities are coordinated at Chitedze Research Station where the Seed Testing Laboratory is Station where the Seed Testing Laboratory is accredited by the International Seed Testing accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Association (ISTA).

1.2 Seed Certification Institution1.2 Seed Certification InstitutionObjectiveObjectiveTo ensure that farmers in Malawi are planting high To ensure that farmers in Malawi are planting high quality seed and planting materials of all crops.quality seed and planting materials of all crops.

To conduct research in seed science and To conduct research in seed science and technology.technology.

To develop appropriate seed certification, To develop appropriate seed certification, processing and testing procedures and standards.processing and testing procedures and standards.

To conduct field inspections and laboratory tests.To conduct field inspections and laboratory tests.

To train stakeholders in the seed industry in seed To train stakeholders in the seed industry in seed production, certification and quality control production, certification and quality control activities.activities.

1.2 Seed Certification Institution Cont’1.2 Seed Certification Institution Cont’

Mandate;Mandate;To ensure that good quality seeds of improved To ensure that good quality seeds of improved varieties are produced and made available to the varieties are produced and made available to the farming communities in Malawi.farming communities in Malawi.

Achieved through;Achieved through;Comprehensive seed crop registrationComprehensive seed crop registrationField inspections Field inspections Laboratory testsLaboratory testsMonitoringMonitoring

1.3 Seed Production Programs1.3 Seed Production Programs

Formal seed programs, ARET, commercial seed Formal seed programs, ARET, commercial seed companies.companies.

Seed AssociationsSeed Associations

Individual farmers (Medium scale)Individual farmers (Medium scale)

Informal seed programs (smallholder farmers)Informal seed programs (smallholder farmers)

•2.0 Overview of Seed laws of the Republic of 2.0 Overview of Seed laws of the Republic of Malawi, Malawi,

2.1 2.1 The National Seed Policy of the Republic of Malawi, 1993The National Seed Policy of the Republic of Malawi, 1993

GeneralGeneralThe Government of Malawi recognizes the fundamental importance The Government of Malawi recognizes the fundamental importance of a sustainable seed industry in contributing to increased of a sustainable seed industry in contributing to increased agricultural production. agricultural production.

The Government will therefore establish, through appropriate The Government will therefore establish, through appropriate policies and programmes, an environment conducive to the policies and programmes, an environment conducive to the development of the seed industry. development of the seed industry.

Direct Government investments will include research, training seed Direct Government investments will include research, training seed certification and testing.certification and testing.

2.1.1 Quality control2.1.1 Quality controlQuality control is recognized as being fundamental Quality control is recognized as being fundamental to seed production and marketing.to seed production and marketing.

Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit and Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit and internal quality control systems of the commercial internal quality control systems of the commercial seed companies will undertake the necessary seed companies will undertake the necessary measures to ensure that only high quality seed is measures to ensure that only high quality seed is marketedmarketed.. Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit will Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit will provide seed certification services to the commercial provide seed certification services to the commercial seed companies, individuals and associations in seed companies, individuals and associations in accordance with the Seed Act. accordance with the Seed Act. Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit has Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit has responsibility for the enforcement of the Seed Act responsibility for the enforcement of the Seed Act and Seed regulations.and Seed regulations.

2.1.2 KEY INSTITUTIONALS AND OPERATIONAL 2.1.2 KEY INSTITUTIONALS AND OPERATIONAL LINKAGELINKAGE

The Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit of DARS will continue to The Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit of DARS will continue to play a key role in the organized seed sector. It will perform all the play a key role in the organized seed sector. It will perform all the necessary tasks in the seed certification programme, including crop necessary tasks in the seed certification programme, including crop inspection in the field and operation of the seed testing laboratories. The inspection in the field and operation of the seed testing laboratories. The Section will also be responsible for the enforcement of the Malawi Seed Section will also be responsible for the enforcement of the Malawi Seed Act. Act.

Official variety testing will continue to be undertaken and coordinated by Official variety testing will continue to be undertaken and coordinated by DAR in order to ensure the impartiality of the procedures carried out. The DAR in order to ensure the impartiality of the procedures carried out. The NSC, through the Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit, will make NSC, through the Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit, will make sure that all promising varieties undergo DUS testing to provide a sure that all promising varieties undergo DUS testing to provide a comprehensive description on which their identity can be based.comprehensive description on which their identity can be based.

The existing Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee (ATCC) The existing Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee (ATCC) will continue to operate under the Technology Clearing House. will continue to operate under the Technology Clearing House. The ATCC will protect the interests of farmers but will not unduly The ATCC will protect the interests of farmers but will not unduly constrain the entrance of new varieties on the market. Exhaustive constrain the entrance of new varieties on the market. Exhaustive testing under research conditions without assessing farmers’ testing under research conditions without assessing farmers’ preferences will be avoided.preferences will be avoided.

2.2.3 Breeders, Basic and Certified Seed Production2.2.3 Breeders, Basic and Certified Seed Production

The production of all breeders, basic and certified seed will be The production of all breeders, basic and certified seed will be under the supervision of the Seed Certification and Quality under the supervision of the Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit.Control Unit.

In the commercial seed sector, Government is concerned to In the commercial seed sector, Government is concerned to promote the development of competition for the benefit of the promote the development of competition for the benefit of the smallholder farmer. Any organization or individual will therefore smallholder farmer. Any organization or individual will therefore be permitted to produce and sell seed provided such seed meets be permitted to produce and sell seed provided such seed meets the minimum quality standards and procedures stipulated in the the minimum quality standards and procedures stipulated in the Seed Act and Regulations.Seed Act and Regulations.

2.2 Malawi Seed Legislation (Seed Act and 2.2 Malawi Seed Legislation (Seed Act and

Regulations, 1996)Regulations, 1996) The Seed act was enacted in Malawi to provide for the The Seed act was enacted in Malawi to provide for the minimum standards to regulate and control (of ) minimum standards to regulate and control (of ) production, processing, sale, importation, exportation production, processing, sale, importation, exportation and testing and further to provide for the certification of and testing and further to provide for the certification of seed. seed.

In the laws of Malawi “Seed” is defined as any part of In the laws of Malawi “Seed” is defined as any part of plant, customarily referred to as seed, intended for plant, customarily referred to as seed, intended for planting and includes other propagating materials. The planting and includes other propagating materials. The word "seed" or" seeds” is designated for all propagating word "seed" or" seeds” is designated for all propagating material (Seed regulations, 1996).material (Seed regulations, 1996).

2.2.1 IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SEED2.2.1 IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SEED

The Malawi Government may allow importation of certified The Malawi Government may allow importation of certified seed in case of unavailability of sufficient quantities. seed in case of unavailability of sufficient quantities. Any seed imported into Malawi should be approved seed and Any seed imported into Malawi should be approved seed and not restricted seed. not restricted seed. The seed should conform to seed standards and other The seed should conform to seed standards and other requirements prescribed by the importing country. requirements prescribed by the importing country. If the seed is packed in a container, the container should be If the seed is packed in a container, the container should be clearly labeled stating the genus, species, variety and the clearly labeled stating the genus, species, variety and the country of origin. Upon importation into Malawi, the seed country of origin. Upon importation into Malawi, the seed importer should inform the Seed Certification and Quality importer should inform the Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit, within seven days of its delivery, requesting a Control Unit, within seven days of its delivery, requesting a sample to be taken for test at a seed testing laboratory. sample to be taken for test at a seed testing laboratory. No person should sell or otherwise dispose of imported No person should sell or otherwise dispose of imported prescribed seed prior to the receipt of a report of the test from prescribed seed prior to the receipt of a report of the test from the seed testing laboratory. the seed testing laboratory. The report confirms that the imported prescribed seed The report confirms that the imported prescribed seed conforms to the prescribed seed standards. conforms to the prescribed seed standards.

3.0 Plant Breeders Rights in Malawi3.0 Plant Breeders Rights in Malawi

Drafted without farmers’ rightsDrafted without farmers’ rights

Presented to stakeholders who suggested that farmers’ Presented to stakeholders who suggested that farmers’ rights be included.rights be included.

Submitted to Ministry of justice Submitted to Ministry of justice

Suggested that farmers’ rights be removed because was Suggested that farmers’ rights be removed because was already included in the access and benefit sharing act of already included in the access and benefit sharing act of the Environmental Affairs Department.the Environmental Affairs Department.

Farmers’ rights were removed Farmers’ rights were removed

Planning for a stakeholders meeting and then Planning for a stakeholders meeting and then submission to Ministry of Justice. submission to Ministry of Justice.

4.0 Crop Variety testing, Registration and Release 4.0 Crop Variety testing, Registration and Release processprocess

Done by breeders Done by breeders

Done in three years on station and two years on farm in Done in three years on station and two years on farm in different agro ecological zones.different agro ecological zones.

Varieties preferred by farmers are selectedVarieties preferred by farmers are selected

Proposal is written and submitted to ATCC for release.Proposal is written and submitted to ATCC for release.

After release, Seed Certification and Quality Control After release, Seed Certification and Quality Control Unit verifies quality of the variety.Unit verifies quality of the variety.

Varieties released are documented (listed) by Secretariat Varieties released are documented (listed) by Secretariat of ATCC (Department of Research).of ATCC (Department of Research).

5.0 Quarantine and Phytosanitory measures for5.0 Quarantine and Phytosanitory measures for seedseed

5.1 Import permit5.1 Import permit Imported seed must be accompanied by a valid plant import Imported seed must be accompanied by a valid plant import permit that authorizes entry in accordance with Malawi permit that authorizes entry in accordance with Malawi Phytosanitory RegulationsPhytosanitory Regulations5.2 Phytosanitory certificate 5.2 Phytosanitory certificate This certifies that the imported agricultural commodities are This certifies that the imported agricultural commodities are free from insect pests, diseases, weeds and must be of good free from insect pests, diseases, weeds and must be of good quality.quality.5.3 Orange Certificates5.3 Orange CertificatesOrange Certificate attests the viability, purity and quality of Orange Certificate attests the viability, purity and quality of seed being imported.seed being imported.5.4 Certificate of origin5.4 Certificate of originThis ascertains the source or the origin of the seed being This ascertains the source or the origin of the seed being imported.imported.5.5 Fumigation Certificate5.5 Fumigation CertificateFumigation certificate attests treatment if the seed needs to Fumigation certificate attests treatment if the seed needs to be treated.be treated.5.6 MRA and Loading documents5.6 MRA and Loading documents may also be required. may also be required.

6.0 Changes necessary to align with harmonized 6.0 Changes necessary to align with harmonized seed legislation protocolsseed legislation protocols

Need to enact the Plant breeders rights so that varieties Need to enact the Plant breeders rights so that varieties can be registered in Malawi and consequently easily be can be registered in Malawi and consequently easily be registered in the SADC variety catalogue.registered in the SADC variety catalogue.Variety testing should be done by both the breeder and Variety testing should be done by both the breeder and the seed regulatory authority. In view of this a section the seed regulatory authority. In view of this a section within the seed certification and quality control unit will within the seed certification and quality control unit will need to be established to concentrate on issues of need to be established to concentrate on issues of variety testing.variety testing.Indicate that varieties from the SADC member states will Indicate that varieties from the SADC member states will not be tested again as same standards will be used not be tested again as same standards will be used within the region.within the region.Currently, Malawi recognises only three classes of seed Currently, Malawi recognises only three classes of seed and this need to be changed to reflect all the five classes and this need to be changed to reflect all the five classes of seed as indicated in the SADC harmonised seed of seed as indicated in the SADC harmonised seed regulations.regulations.Seed evaluated and released in at least two SADC Seed evaluated and released in at least two SADC countries allowed for seed multiplication. countries allowed for seed multiplication.

7.0 Implementing Institution’s capacity and Challenges 7.0 Implementing Institution’s capacity and Challenges facedfaced

The institution to implement the harmonised seed The institution to implement the harmonised seed regulations will be all stakeholders in the seed regulations will be all stakeholders in the seed industry coordinated DARS (Seed services unit and industry coordinated DARS (Seed services unit and Plant protection services).Plant protection services).

There will be need to develop capacity for both There will be need to develop capacity for both human resource and infrastructure to ensure that human resource and infrastructure to ensure that implementation is successful.implementation is successful.

Expansion of the seed industry in Malawi is a Expansion of the seed industry in Malawi is a challenge to the regulators but processes are challenge to the regulators but processes are underway to effectively tackle this challenge.underway to effectively tackle this challenge.