Local seed producers resume exports

farmers.
With the economy starting to recover, stimulated by adoption of multiple currencies, seed production has since shot up exceeding local demand.
Zimbabwe Seed Traders’ Association chairperson Mr Themba Nkatazo said companies wanting to export seed should apply for permits from the Government. “Some of our members are already processing their export papers,” he said.
Mr Nkatazo, who is also managing director of Pannar Seeds, said his company had received orders to export 1 000 tonnes of maize seed to Mozambique.
In the past cropping season Zimbabwe produced about 65 000 tonnes of seed when the country requires 40 000 to 50 000 tonnes of maize seed every farming season.
Stocks also rose due to low uptake by local farmers who failed to purchase seed because of high prices.
Mr Nkatazo said members of the association would export to countries in the region and beyond.
“We will also export some varieties to Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana,” he said.
He said the association was capable of meeting any export demand from the region and beyond.
“Whatever order we get we can supply,” Mr Nkatazo said adding: “Our membership is also eyeing the Kenyan market.”
Seed producers were working on strategies to revert to the old days when Zimbabwe was the seed hub for Africa, he said.
“Within the next three to five years we will regain our status as the largest seed producer in Africa as witnessed by what we have achieved to date.”
Meanwhile, Mr Nkatazo urged local seed producers to continue thriving for quality for the product to compete and even surpass what other countries were offering.
“Let’s ensure that the product we produce is just as good as others or even better,” he said.- New Ziana.