2023 Mid-Year Update
Our Chief Executive Dr. Albert Changaya shares his views on ARET’s Half-Year Results for the six months to 30 August 2023
Watch the video
Our Transformation
PLANT PROTECTION. The Plant Protection Section of the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust comprise Plant Pathology and Entomology units and it is responsible for coordinating insect pest and disease management programs in tobacco production in Malawi. It develops methods and strategies for controlling and to prevention of crop damage and yield loss. Some of the key activities done by the section include:..
PLANT BREEDING .The section develops tobacco varieties that address farmers’ problems such as low yields, biotic and abiotic stresses and it also ensures maintenance of these varieties and production of certified seed. Currently released tobacco varieties are; Burley, ABH12, ABH31 and ABH43 while Flue cured; AFH1, AFH2, AFH3, AFH4 AFH5, AFH6 finale Dark fire cured; ADFC1, ADFC2, ADFC3, ADFC4, Malawi Western, AWL10, AWL28 and MW86-57
ANALYTICAL SERVICES. ARET offers analytical and advisory services to a wide range of participants in the agricultural sector including farming communities, research scientists and tobacco exporters. Analytical services focus on carrying out analysis for various elements on soils, plants, fertilizers, water and other elements. The lab has state of the art GCMS machine and with such equipment, the laboratory is capable of providing an excellent service to both research scientists, farmers and other stakeholders.
SEED SERVICES. ARET has a strong program for the production of certified seed that ensures that Malawi tobacco farmers have access to improved and tested varieties. This program is instrumental in the dissemination of new improved Burley, Flue-Cured and NDDF tobacco varieties to farmers. The seed is produced and processed using internationally approved methodologies and procedures. Certification is done using international standards through an internationally accredited seed services laboratory.
FORESTRY. Forestry forms an integral part of most tobacco farms. The sections facilitates environmental compliance initiatives on farms including,
- development of forestry plans
- training on forestry management
- establishment of woodlots and
- live barns.
REASEARCH AND TECHNICAL SERVICES. Focusses on addressing the key production constraints faced by growers.
Key focus areas are:
- Plant breeding
- Agronomy
- Analytical Laboratory
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
- Agricultural Engineering.
EXTENSION AND SPECIALIST SERVICES . The department provides demand driven extension services to tobacco farmers to maximize returns on investment. To achieve this objective, ARET strategically placed Extension Agents in all tobacco producing areas of the country. The Department has the following sections: Extension and training, Agribusiness, Extension & communication Land husbandry and Forestry
LAND HUSBANDRY. This section is involved in the provision of advisory and technical services in land use and physical planning including soil and water conservation structures.
Specific activities include: Undertaking farm planning, topographic and perimeter surveys, Production of land use maps and Laying out soil and water conservation structures
EXTENSION AND COMMUNICATION. The section uses print and electronic media methods to reach out to farmers. It produces farmer magazines, leaflets, handbooks, flyers, posters, and calendars.
The electronic media section produces and airs farmer radio programs and video documentaries.
Mwimba College of Agriculture (MWICA)
The college was opened in 2001 as a training arm of the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET).
Mwimba College of Agriculture (MWICA)
The college was opened in 2001 as a training arm of the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET).
In The Spotlight
Results
Science
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Radio Programs
Latest results, reports and research
Results Centre
Read the retest results and view our latest presentations we meet our core values in tobacco and other commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond. commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond. commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond.
Pesticides recommended for use on tobacco 2023/2024 season
Download and read the retest recommended Pesticides to use on tobacco for the season of 2023/2024. these recommendations are in both chichewa and English versions.
Scientific Research
Read the retest results and view our latest presentations we meet our core values in tobacco and other commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond. commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond. commercial crops in Malawi for high productivity basing on different soils, climates and land hasbandly in Malawi and beyond.
Latest Updates and Features
TOBACCO INDUSTRY DONATES TO MATAWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Stakeholders in the Tobacco industry led by TAMA Farmers Trust on Friday, 27th October 2023, joined hands in commemorating the World Tobacco Grower’s Day, that is commemorated internationally on 28th October each year. During the commemorations the Stakeholders donated 120 Desks together with books, teachers’ books, exercise books and other’s to Matawa Primary School. According to the Guest of honour of the event, Dr. Albert Changaya, Chief Executive Officer for Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET), they decided to donate to the school which was affected with Cyclone Freddy earlier in the year, as part of their support to young people who had assorted learning materials destroyed during the disasters. Industry stakeholders that participated in the event included Tobacco Commission (TC), ARET, NASFAM, Alliance One, ATS, AHL, Limbe Leaf and Others.
