Zimbabwe’s seed industry is strengthening efforts to improve farm productivity and climate resilience as new crop varieties developed by Seed Co Limited gain traction among farmers across the country.
Managing director Felistus Gurajena said the company’s focus remains firmly anchored on improving national food security and empowering farmers through research-driven seed development.
“Today we are not just showcasing new varieties, we are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to national food security,” she said.
Gurajena said the company’s long history of seed innovation has shaped maize production across the region.
“Our journey began in Zimbabwe where our 85-year heritage was solidified with the globally pioneering development of SR52, the first single-cross hybrid maize,” she said.
She added that the seed breeder has since expanded across Africa while continuing to produce improved varieties suited to local conditions.
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“This work allowed us to grow from a single market into a pan-African giant operating in over 15 countries and releasing 226 varieties across multiple crops,” she said.
Gurajena said the company is now focusing on climate-smart technologies to address changing rainfall patterns.
“You have seen this in the newly launched SC449, a very early maturity high-yielding variety with a very good disease package,” she said.
She said the company’s maize portfolio also includes several drought-tolerant and early-maturing hybrids developed to secure harvests under variable weather conditions.
“Our maize basket includes drought insurance cover SC301, SC303, Mukadzi Usaende SC419, SC547 and SC555 designed for resilience and early harvests,” she said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands Agriculture Fisheries Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, said improved seed technologies are key to strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience.
“By developing high-yielding, locally adapted and climate-smart varieties, Seed Co provides the engine for our national drive towards perennial food security,” he said.
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