Balaka farmers got told to stick with local seeds instead of the expensive hybrid stuff since the homegrown varieties handle weird weather better and cost way less. Nyuma Mughogho from the Transforming Landscapes and Livelihoods Project said research backs up that local seeds crush it in rain-shadow zones where Balaka sits, and broke farmers can actually afford them, unlike hybrids.
The district just kicked off construction on a K139 million community seed bank in Kapalamula Village that will store millet, sorghum, maize, and pigeon peas. The whole point is saving indigenous seeds that are dying out. District Council chair Hastings Maluwa wants locals to protect the construction site from theft and remember they are getting the direct benefit. Rural Group Limited is building it and should wrap in 90 days, with farmers from the 45-member Tisomo Tipindule club already hyped about better seed access.
The district just kicked off construction on a K139 million community seed bank in Kapalamula Village that will store millet, sorghum, maize, and pigeon peas. The whole point is saving indigenous seeds that are dying out. District Council chair Hastings Maluwa wants locals to protect the construction site from theft and remember they are getting the direct benefit. Rural Group Limited is building it and should wrap in 90 days, with farmers from the 45-member Tisomo Tipindule club already hyped about better seed access.
