The Government of Malawi (GoM) is implementing Kutukula Ulima m’Malawi (KULIMA) Programme with funding from the European Union (EU) to the tune of EUR111 Million. The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity and diversification in a participatory, sustainable and climate-change resilient manner. The programme’s implementation covers the period from 2017 to 2023 i.e. for 6 years.
On 14th June, 2022, there was an official handover ceremony of Research Equipment and Supplies procured under the KULIMA Programme at Chitedze Agricultural Research Station. The event was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Lobin Lowe, MP who received assorted equipment and supplies on behalf of the Government of Malawi from the EU Ambassador, HE. Rune Skinnebach, who officially handed over the equipment on behalf of the European Commission.
The Ambassador assured the Government of Malawi of the EU continued support through KULIMA and many other programmes for Malawi’s sustainable economic growth. Receiving the state of art equipment, the Government of Malawi assured the EU and the public of proper care and utilisation of the equipment for maximum benefit to the people of Malawi. He also appreciated the continued support being provided by the EU.
The equipment package included Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Consumables, Laboratory Protective Wear and Laboratory ICT Equipment which costed EUR626,336.57. These Research Equipment were distributed, installed and in use at Chitedze, Bvumbwe and Lunyangwa Research Stations. They are expected to strengthen public research activities which include soil testing and tissue culture among others.