By Precious Mtuwa

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Japanese Government has handed over a Pesticide Residue Testing Equipment Machine to the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), aiming to enhance the country’s sesame testing capabilities and meet international quality standards.

Malawi has been facing a significant challenge in the sesame industry, with a 70% rejection rate of its exports due to non-compliance with international quality and safety standards.

With this Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LCMS) Machine, Malawi is expected to address the non-compliance and unlock its potential in the global sesame markets and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The equipment, will enable MBS to conduct advanced analytical tests on sesame products, including aflatoxin and pesticide residue testing which will boost Malawi’s sesame exports, particularly to Japan, where demand is high.

The Deputy Director General of MBS, Thomas Senganimalunje, stated that the equipment is of great significance in the efforts to achieve quality in agricultural products for trade.

MBS will be able to provide accurate and reliable testing services, ensuring that sesame meets international standards.

96 staff members of MBS were trained in advanced on analytical techniques by experts from the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA).

The training equipped them with the skills and knowledge to conduct complex tests and provide accurate results.

Concurring with the Deputy Director General of MBS, the Director of Industry, Clement Phangaphanga, said that this is a huge opportunity for Malawi.

The machine will benefit traders, as they will be fully certified, leading to fewer rejections of sesame.

WFP Country Director, Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim, stated that WFP is working to build resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agricultural systems that align with Malawi Vision 2063.

“LMCS is capable of detecting ultra-trace pesticide residues with speed and precision.

“This will unlock structured markets and elevate Malawi’s position in regional and global trade, especially for high-value crops like sesame, cowpea, and sorghum,” Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim said.

On his part, the Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, said that sesame is an indispensable food in Japan, and Malawi holds tremendous potential to increase sesame production as Malawi has quality of Sesame.

The Maravi Post