ICRISAT and Malawi Government Release Climate-Resilient Groundnut Variety for Commercialization
To date, over 15 improved groundnut varieties have been released in Malawi, helping boost farmer incomes and drive local economic growth.
In a major boost to Malawi’s agriculture sector, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in partnership with the Malawi Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) and with support from the EU-funded DeSIRA initiative, has released a new, high-performing groundnut variety for commercial cultivation.
The variety ICGV-SMs 05650, locally known as CG18, is a Spanish groundnut bred to meet the evolving needs of smallholder farmers and the broader market.
Developed with local conditions and farmer needs in mind, CG18 offers practical, high-performing solutions tailored to the pressing challenges of smallholder farming—climate stress, pests, and market demands.
It stands out for its resilience to climate shocks, including drought and heat stress, and demonstrates strong resistance to groundnut rosette disease, one of the most devastating diseases affecting groundnut yields in the region.
The variety also boasts high yields, offering farmers both food security and improved incomes.
Commenting on the release, ICRISAT Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak applauded DARS, the DeSIRA initiative, and ICRISAT breeding and technical teams for their collaborative efforts in delivering the new variety.
“This new groundnut variety, CG18, reflects ICRISAT’s commitment to science-driven solutions for smallholder farmers. It combines resilience, productivity, and market potential—hallmarks of modern breeding.
We are proud to partner with Malawi in delivering these innovations that address climate challenges while creating new economic opportunities for farming communities," said Dr Pathak.
Dr Rebbie Harawa, Director of ICRISAT Africa and Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems, said CG18 is a game changer for smallholder farmers.
"It offers not just resilience to drought and disease, but a clear pathway to regional and export markets—turning climate challenges into economic opportunities for farming communities and across Africa," said Dr Harawa.
Notably, the South Africa Groundnut Association (SAGA) has selected CG18 for inclusion in its export portfolio, signaling its high quality and competitiveness in international markets.
This opens a pathway for Malawian smallholders to access premium markets and benefit from increased returns.
Dr James Mwololo of ICRISAT, who co-led the development of the variety with Dr Justus Chintu of DARS, emphasized the significance of its release for Malawi’s agricultural sector.
“CG18 represents the next generation of smart crop breeding—targeted, responsive, and inclusive of farmer and market needs.
It’s a product of frontier science aligned with real-world challenges. From climate resilience to disease resistance and market suitability, CG18 embodies our vision of agriculture that works for people, profit, and the planet,” said Dr Mwololo.
New Variety Gains Regional Attention
The variety’s exceptional performance has also gained regional attention. It has been proposed for release in Central Tanzania’s semi-arid zones, characterized by annual rainfall below 600 mm, where conventional varieties struggle.
This reflects the growing regional demand for climate-smart crop solutions and reinforces Malawi’s role as a leader in groundnut breeding in Southern and Eastern Africa.
The release was approved by the Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee (ATCC) of Malawi, following a strong defense by the lead breeders. The committee acknowledged the variety’s strategic alignment with Malawi’s agricultural development priorities, especially under changing climatic conditions.
Boosting Productivity and Resilience: ICRISAT’s Groundnut Legacy in Malawi
ICRISAT has played a pivotal role in developing and releasing improved groundnut varieties in Malawi, significantly enhancing the country's agricultural productivity and resilience.
Since its establishment in Malawi in 1982, ICRISAT has collaborated with the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) to release numerous groundnut varieties tailored to the country's diverse agro-ecological zones and market demands.
Notable varieties include:
- CG 7 (ICGV-SM 83708): Released in 1990, this Virginia-type variety is known for its high yield and drought tolerance.
- Nsinjiro (ICGV-SM 90704): Introduced in 2000, it offers resistance to groundnut rosette disease and is widely adopted in the region.
- Kakoma (JL 24): Also released in 2000, this Spanish-type variety is appreciated for its early maturity and adaptability.
- Baka (ICG 12991): Released in 2001, Baka is a short-duration, drought-tolerant variety with resistance to groundnut rosette disease.
- Chitala (ICGV-SM 99568): Introduced in 2005, it combines high yield potential with disease resistance.
- CG 8 to CG 14 (Various ICGV-SM lines): Released in 2014, these seven varieties offer a range of traits, including early maturity, disease resistance, and suitability for different agro-ecological zones.
- CG 15 and CG 16: Released around 2020, these varieties are drought-tolerant Spanish types developed through regional collaborations.
- CG 18 (ICGV-SMs 05650): The latest addition, released in 2025, is a high-yielding, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant Spanish variety selected for both local and export markets.
In total, ICRISAT has been instrumental in the release of at least 15 improved groundnut varieties in Malawi, each contributing to enhanced productivity, resilience to climate change, and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
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This work aligns with SDGs 2, 13 & 17.
