Government urges seed companies to boost traditional grain production

Nyasha Motsi

Herald Reporter

Government has urged seed companies to ramp up production of traditional grain and sunflower varieties in light of climate change and drier seasons.

Speaking at the Seed Co 85th celebrations of innovation and impact in agriculture held yesterday at Rattray Arnold Research Station, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the country needs seed varieties that are more resilient.

The chief director in the Ministry, Mr Givemore Taveshure, represented Dr Masuka.

“We desire varieties that have better water use efficiency, better nutrition use to lower fertilizer usage and better bird tolerance,” Dr Masuka said.

He expressed Government’s satisfaction with seed companies’ research into better varieties of wheat, sunflower, sugar bean and vegetables, but said more can still be done.

“I challenge you to breed shorter season, high-yielding varieties,” he said.

“Climate change is real. I am therefore pleased that Seed Co is focusing its research and development efforts at climate-smart genetics to produce high-yielding varieties that are tailor-made for every agro-ecological region,” Dr Masuka said.

Dr Masuka said that with the anticipated challenge of fall armyworm, there is need to introduce a seed dressing chemical for all maize and sorghum seeds commencing with the 2025/2026 season.

Seed Co chief executive officer, Mr Morgan Nzwere said they are committed to ensuring the country’s food security.

“We aim to support farmers in adapting to climate change, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” Mr Nzwere said.

“To mitigate the effects of climate change, the company has developed climate-smart seeds that can withstand extreme weather conditions,” he said.

“We have also developed a wide range of maize seed varieties to cater for various season lengths,” Mr Nzwere noted.