AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH EXTENSION TRUST

The centre of excellence in tecchnology development, dissemination and training in tobacco and other export oriented crops in malawi and other region.

The centre of excellence in tecchnology development, dissemination and training in tobacco and other export oriented crops in malawi and other region.

The centre of excellence in tecchnology development, dissemination and training in tobacco and other export oriented crops in malawi and other region.

The centre of excellence in tecchnology development, dissemination and training in tobacco and other export oriented crops in malawi and other region.

The centre of excellence in tecchnology development, dissemination and training in tobacco and other export oriented crops in malawi and other region.

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,

REASEARCH AND TECHNICAL SERVICES. Focusses on addressing the key production constraints faced by growers.

Key focus areas are:

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.

The college was opened in 2001 as a training arm of the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET).

The college was opened in 2001 as a training arm of the Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET).