adminResponding to the surge in seed maize production, the government last year lifted a ban on seed maize exports following clear indications that producers could meet local demand.
The government suspended seed maize exports six years ago after high domestic demand led to shortages.
Zimbabwe Seed Traders’ Association chairperson Mr Walter Chigodora said the association had about 63 000 tonnes of seed maize stocks against a national requirement of between 40 000 and 45 000 per cropping season.
“We have surplus seed maize which we cannot export into the region because at the moment each country is producing enough seed to meet its national demand,” he said.
Prior to the adoption of multiple currency trading, Zimbabwe was failing to meet national demand for seed maize and relied on imports.
Mr Chigodora, who is also Agriseeds managing director, said most of the local seed houses had branches in the traditional export markets.
“Companies like Pannar, SeedCo and Pioneer have operations in countries such as Zambia and Malawi, so they are already producing enough in those countries,” he said.
Seed houses opened branches in the region and beyond a few years ago to circumvent the export ban the government had imposed.
Local seed production has been on the upward trend in the last few years, reaching 27 176 tonnes in 2012 from 22 250 tonnes in 2009.
Seed producers in the country used to export to Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana, among other markets. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter