SEED PRODUCTION & IRRIGATION SERVICES

IRRIGATION & FARM SERVICES

Our irrigation and farm services division focuses on delivering climate-proofed agricultural production at our own farms and also in support of our outgrower network. This is anchored by a service-based and the most versatile irrigation model that allows farmers to access water-efficient systems without upfront costs, while receiving expert management and maintenance.

This means farmers looking to maximize their water efficiency via irrigation without upfront investment in equipment now have a new option. This partnership enables farmers to enjoy the benefits of irrigation without the huge capital outlay required for them to own their own system.

This division is also the seed production arm of TEV Group. We deliver comprehensive seed multiplication services designed to increase the availability of high-quality, improved seed varieties for farmers. Our work begins with the careful sourcing of breeder and foundation seed from our research partners (CIAT, ICRISAT, and IITA), ensuring that every multiplication cycle starts with genetically pure, high-performing parent material.

Using controlled production environments and strict field management practices, we maintain varietal integrity and produce clean, disease-free seed that meets national and international certification standards. Our team oversees every stage of the process- from land preparation and crop monitoring to harvesting, drying, and post-harvest handling-ensuring that purity, germination, and vigor are consistently high.

We are licensed by the Seed Services Unit (SSU), which operates under the Department of Agriculture Research Services (DARS) within the Ministry of Agriculture in Malawi, to establish, multiply, and commercialize seed of common beans, maize, peanuts, pigeon peas, and cassava.

irrigation

COMMERCIAL FARMING

AGRONOMY ACTIVITIES IN MALAWI

TEV Farms Ltd was established to carry out commercial agriculture, focusing on premium agricultural value chains.

The company is initially focused on value chains in which we already have exposure, such as peanuts, common beans and cassava. Additional value chains will be explored as opportunities arise.

At the centre of the company’s agronomy activities is the deployment of climate-resilient solutions, such as irrigation, to eliminate seasonality in our operations.

The company currently has a total of 1,100 hectares of land spread across two commercial farms, namely Khonjeni Estate in Thyolo (700 hectares) and Rathdrum Farm in Zomba (400 hectares).

All these farms have access to ample water bodies, which enable large-scale irrigation.

In addition to those farms, TEV Group is establishing a Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) site at Chankhandwe Farm, a 215-ha farm on the outskirts of Lilongwe city, for rapid multiplication of improved cassava varieties. This site has also been earmarked as a future R&D centre for all TEV agronomy activities with support from our research partners, IITA, CIAT, and ICRISAT.

TEV agronomy map

AGRONOMY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE MALAWI

TEV is currently expanding agronomy activities to Mozambique and Zambia. This is to address growing demand for certified seed in the region; and also, to diversify and scale up primary production to meet growing demand for our value-added products in domestic and export markets.

OUR OUTGROWER PROGRAM

Our agronomy services are designed to support our outgrowers with the knowledge, tools, and field-based guidance they need to improve crop performance and build sustainable production systems. We combine scientific expertise with practical, on-the-ground support to help them make informed decisions that enhance productivity, reduce risks, and protect natural resources.

We begin by assessing soil health, fertility levels, and field conditions to develop tailored crop management plans. Our team provides recommendations on land preparation, seed selection, optimal planting techniques, and precise crop nutrition strategies that ensure plants receive the right nutrients at the right time. Through integrated pest and disease management, we help our growers to adopt safe, effective control methods that minimize losses while promoting ecological balance.

Our agronomists work closely with the growers throughout the growing season, conducting field visits, monitoring crop progress, identifying emerging challenges, and advising on corrective actions. We promote climate-smart practices such as conservation agriculture, water-efficient irrigation methods, soil regeneration techniques, and the use of resilient crop varieties to strengthen adaptation to climate variability. Training and capacity building are at the heart of our approach. We facilitate demonstration, farmer field schools, and hands-on coaching to build local expertise and encourage the adoption of improved practices.

At the end of 2025, we have contracted outgrowers in Chitipa district (2 schemes) and Rumphi district (1 scheme). In 2026, we plan to launch new schemes in Dedza, Kasungu, and Mangochi districts.

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