Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
September 16, 2014

To bring together innovation and agriculture technology to reach resource less farmers, the AIP- Malawi activity was launched at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in April, 2014. The project, a collaborative tri-partite effort led by Cornell University, USA, Sathguru Management Consultants, India and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi is primarily concentrated towards improving seed science & technology curriculum; introducing e-learning tools, creating a seed processing facility and supporting seed entrepreneurs and the seed enterprise development.

H.E. Vanlalhuma, Indian High Commissioner to Malawi paid an official visit to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bunda Campus on 04 September. Prof. G. Y. Kanyama Phiri , Vice Chancellor informed him on the genesis of the university and apprised him about the progress made in the ongoing USAID supported project titled Agricultural Innovation Partnership – Malawi (AIP – Malawi).

Prof. GY Kanyama Phiri expressed the importance of AIP-Malawi in strengthening seed research, production, processing and extension systems to address the emerging need for enhanced agricultural productivity and food security in Malawi. He emphasized that networking of LUANAR faculty with Indian state agricultural universities would go a long way in building stronger cooperation among agricultural professionals. The faculty at LUANAR took the opportunity to brief H.E.

Vanlalhuma on the scope and objective of the project and explained the knowledge they have received so far. The faculty members also spoke about the exposure to seed value chain and education systems during their recent experiential visit to India.

H.E. Vanlalhuma appreciated the efforts and progress made under the project and wished to see many more collaborative efforts to bring prosperity to the region. He said the high commission would provide full support to LUANAR in building strong linkages with Indian stakeholders. He mentioned that LUANAR is a unique place of highly experienced professionals in agriculture and natural resources.

About Agricultural Innovation Partnership- Malawi

The Agricultural Innovation Partnership – Malawi (AIP – Malawi) activity launched with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the ‘Feed the Future’ initiative, endeavors to increase food security and improve the quality of life of Malawi farmers. AIP – Malawi activity aims to achieve this by improving agricultural education and extension systems and creating a convergence of public and private enterprises working towards ensuring prosperity in the region.

About Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources     

Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources (LUANAR) began with inception of Bunda College of Agriculture (BCA) in 1967 to specifically train Malawians in the field of agriculture. LUANAR is the only national agricultural university involved with Malawi farmers and started its operations on 1st July 2012, with Bunda College Campus (Bunda) as the initial institution. LUANAR, being the only agricultural institution in Malawi, has a strong partnership with most organizations involved in the agricultural sector.

Website: http://www.sathguru.com

Published: September 17, 2014