The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
On the final day of her visit to Malawi, Administrator Power toured Pyxus Agriculture Limited Malawi. Pyxus is a company that works with Malawian smallholder farmers focused on agriculture commercialization and innovation.
Her first stop on the Pyxus tour was to a working research farm where the company is conducting USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab tests on the development of a variety of new seed varieties, such as groundnuts and legumes. These seeds have higher crop yields and are more stress resistant to help farmers adapt to climate shocks and the rising prices of agricultural inputs. Administrator Power visited a nearby Pyxus smallholder contract farm to learn more about its engagement model and the challenges the farmers are facing. She then toured a Pyxus peanut processing facility, the largest in Malawi, and the second largest in Africa.
Throughout her visit to the various Pyxus facilities, Administrator Power underscored the important role that private sector engagement plays in strengthening food security and climate adaptation in Malawi. She emphasized that USAID is committed to market-led solutions that can grow the agricultural sector and deliver for Malawians.