Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a very important crop. The seeds contain approximately 25% digestible protein and 50% edible oils. Groundnut haulrns and cake are valuable in livestock feed. Groundnut is therefore an important component of both rural and urban diets. It is widely grown and used for food and to generate income, particularly by women farmers. Groundnut is consumed in various ways: roasted pods/kemels, boiled fresh nuts, peanut butter, and in traditional dishes as a sauce and oil. When grown in rotation with cereals such as maize, groundnut improves soil fertility. Development of groundnut production technologies is the mandate of many ministries of agriculture. Varieties developed for commercial production include CG 7, ICGV-SM 90704 (Nsinjiro), JL 24 (Kakoma), and IGC 12991 (Baka). The earlier releases include Chalimbana, Chitembana, Mawanga, Mani Pintar and RG 1. Although improved cultivars and management practices have been developed and recommended to farmers, groundnut yields in Malawi are still very low, ranging from 250-800 kg/ha (Table 1): The rnarket liberalization program introduced in the 1980s saw private traders purchasing substantial amounts of groundnuts, leaving very little to recycle for seed. The situation was compounded by the recurrent droughts in 1991-92 and 1994-95. National average yields started improving after improved varieties were introduced into farming communities through Action Group II of the Maize Productivity Task Force (1994-98) and the DARTS-ICRISAT-USAID Groundnut and Pigeonpea Projects (1999- 2002). This demonstrates that, although droughts, low producer prices, low soil fertility, poor cultural practices, and predominant pests and diseases are culprits for low groundnut productivity, lack of seed of improved varieties remains a major constraint. Continued use of recycled or unimproved groundnut seed is probably the most important factor contributing to the low productivity of the crop. On the other hand commercial seed companies prefer hybrid crop varieties to self -pollinators like groundnuts, because hybrid seed materials need to be replenished each season. The ability of farmers to save their own groundnut seed hinders the development of commercial seed enterprises. The Groundnut Improvement Program in partnership with ICRISA T -Lilongwe therefore has the mandate to produce breeder's and basic seed of improved varieties each year. This seed is multiplied in several ways. Breeder' s seed is produced at research station farms under direct supervision of the breeders and the Seed Technology Unit, to ensure varietal purity. Breeder's seed is used to produce basic seed, which is further multiplied into certified seed. Seed production requires high standards of management. Besides the recommended cultural practices, the grower is bound to observe stipulated seed production guidelines and standards (Table 2).

English

0501|AGRIS 0501|AL-Economins Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Publications Collection