Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS)
The main function of DARS is to develop modern agricultural technologies and provide regulatory and specialist services in agriculture related fields. The department is responsible for generating and transferring demand�driven and market-oriented agricultural technologies and specialist services, through participatory and integrated approaches in order to increase and sustain agricultural productivity by all stakeholders.
Strategic Objectives
The strategic objectives of the department are:
-
1
Generate appropriate agricultural technologies for increased productivity
-
3
Enhance research-stakeholder linkage to promote dissemination and utilization of improved technologies
-
2
Provide high quality, sustainable specialist and regulatory services to the agricultural industry;
-
4
Provide an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural research services
Released Technologies
Find the most up to date released technologies by DARS
Current programs
major focus is on crop varietal improvement and adaptation; soil fertility improvement; pest and disease control; post-harvest handling with emphasis on agro-processing; and livestock management
focuses on dissemination of technologies and information through field days, agricultural fairs, technology transfer committees, publications, demonstrations, and establishing new partnership;
The focus is on strengthening institutional capacity to deliver the services efficiently
ensures that all the legislations are up to date and are well aligned to the related international protocols
focus is on:
a) Implementation of new departmental career structure to
enhance human capacity;
b) Developing a science plan and DARS strategy;
c) strengthening strategic linkages with stakeholders
through formation of an “Action-Research Network.
Research Stations
-
Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station
Located in Thyolo district, Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station focuses on various crops, including tea, coffee, bananas, and macadamia nuts. The station conducts research to improve crop varieties, farming techniques, and pest management strategies.
-
Chitedze Agricultural Research Station
Situated near Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station is one of the country's major research facilities. It conducts research on various crops, livestock, agroforestry, and natural resource management. The station aims to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security.
-
Nchalo Agricultural Research Station
Located in Chikwawa district, Nchalo Agricultural Research Station primarily focuses on sugarcane research. It conducts studies to improve sugarcane varieties, crop management practices, and pest control methods. The research station collaborates with the sugar industry to enhance sugar production in Malawi.
-
Bvumbwe Research Farm
Bvumbwe Research Farm, also known as Bvumbwe Research Extension Farm, is located in Thyolo district. It serves as a research and training facility for smallholder farmers. The farm conducts research on various crops, including maize, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, to develop improved farming practices and technologies.
-
Kasinthula Cane Growers (KCG) Research Station
Kasinthula Cane Growers Limited operates a research station in Chikwawa district. It focuses on sugarcane research and works closely with sugarcane farmers to develop sustainable production methods, disease control strategies, and efficient harvesting techniques.