Groundnuts (peanuts) are one of Malawi’s most important cash and food crops—supporting household income, nutrition, and soil fertility across many farming communities. Malawi’s Central Region is especially strong in groundnut production, with major growing districts such as Mchinji, Lilongwe, Kasungu, and Ntchisi contributing a large share of national output.

But one factor consistently separates high-performing farmers and traders from the rest: access to quality seed. Whether you are a farmer, agro-dealer, cooperative, or buyer supporting outgrower programs, choosing the right groundnut seed variety—and ensuring it is properly certified—can significantly improve yields, reduce risk, and boost profits.

This guide explains how to buy groundnut (peanut) seeds in Malawi, what varieties to choose, and how Wigmore Trading can support reliable supply for commercial-scale needs.

Why Seed Quality Matters in Groundnut Farming

Many farmers still plant recycled grain from local markets, which often leads to:

• Low germination rates

• Poor disease resistance

• Uneven crop maturity

• Reduced yield potential

• Increased aflatoxin risk during post-harvest handling

Using certified or quality-declared groundnut seed improves crop uniformity and ensures the seed meets standards for purity and germination. In Malawi, seed certification systems are supported by national structures such as the Seed Services Unit (SSU), which helps regulate quality and certification processes.

Wigmore Trading can help buyers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses source dependable, traceable seed for planting programs and commercial production.

Best Groundnut Seed Varieties in Malawi (What to Look For)

Choosing the right variety depends on your purpose: household consumption, confectionery markets, oil extraction, export, or contract farming.

1) CG7 (Improved High-Performance Variety)

CG7 is among the most widely adopted improved varieties in Malawi. It is known for:

• Strong yields

• Better drought tolerance

• Easier harvesting than some traditional varieties

• Suitable for confectionery and oil extraction

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• Adaptability across most groundnut-growing areas

This variety is often preferred in commercial supply chains because it performs well under variable rainfall conditions.

2) Chalimbana (Traditional Export Variety)

Chalimbana is a well-known Virginia-type groundnut with large kernels and strong market preference. It has historically been Malawi’s traditional export variety, though it can be harder to harvest and may yield less than improved options depending on conditions.

3) Newer Varieties: Nsinjiro, Baka, Kakoma, Chalimbana 2005

Recent agricultural programs and farmer training manuals also highlight improved varieties such as Nsinjiro, Baka, Kakoma (JL24), and Chalimbana 2005, which are promoted to improve productivity, oil content, and resilience.

If you’re building a contract farming program or supplying processors, these varieties can be worth considering depending on customer preferences and maturity periods.

Where to Buy Groundnuts (Peanuts) Seeds in Malawi

Reliable seed sourcing typically comes from:

Licensed seed companies and agro-dealers

Established suppliers and licensed distributors provide improved groundnut seed lines and often offer technical guidance for farmers.

Certified seed systems

Seed certification structures help maintain quality standards and enable buyers to verify seed authenticity where required.

Organized farmer groups and seed banks

In some areas, improved seed distribution systems and community seed banks help increase availability, especially for varieties such as CG7.

However, many commercial buyers still face problems such as:

• inconsistent supply volumes

• uneven quality from informal markets

• poor storage causing germination loss

• limited access during peak planting season

This is where Wigmore Trading can help by supporting bulk sourcing, logistics, and dependable supply arrangements.

Key Buying Checklist: How to Verify Groundnut Seed Quality

Before purchasing large quantities, buyers should confirm:

1) Certification or traceability

Ask for seed batch details, supplier source, and any available documentation.

2) Germination and purity

Quality seed should be clean, uniform, and free from mold, pests, or excessive broken kernels.

3) Proper storage

Groundnut seed must be stored in dry, ventilated conditions to prevent moisture damage and quality loss.

4) Aflatoxin risk control

Aflatoxin is a major quality challenge in Malawi and affects both public health and market access. Proper drying and storage are essential for preventing contamination and protecting seed quality.

Commercial buyers and farmer programs should prioritize training on drying and post-harvest handling to reduce contamination risks.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Groundnut Seed Buyers in Malawi

Wigmore Trading works with agribusinesses, cooperatives, and supply chain operators across Africa to help streamline sourcing and distribution.

Here’s how we can support your groundnut seed needs:

• Bulk supply coordination for planting programs

• Reliable sourcing support for CG7, Chalimbana, and other varieties

• Quality-focused procurement guidance to reduce buyer risk

• Logistics support to move seed efficiently across Malawi and into regional markets

• Supply chain solutions for contract farming or processor-led outgrower models

If you’re supplying farmers or expanding a groundnut production program, contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and improve seed reliability.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right groundnut (peanut) seed in Malawi is not just a farming decision—it’s a business decision. Certified, high-performing varieties like CG7 and well-known commercial types like Chalimbana offer strong opportunities for growers, processors, and traders—but only when quality is consistent and properly handled.

Wigmore Trading can help you source dependable groundnut seed supply, reduce quality risks, and support scalable agricultural programs.