Pioneer Seeds scales down production

Last season the company doubled seed maize production levels and realised 11 000 tonnes compared to 5 000 tonnes achieved in the 2009 season.
Pioneer Seeds managing director Mr Daniel Myers said the company was this year targeting to produce 4 000 tonnes.

“We had produced more and we still have stocks hence the need to reduce our production hectarage this year,” he said.
“We could not export the excess seeds as deals for exporting are done three to five years prior to the season you would want to export, so we ended up keeping the seed for local use,” he said.

The nation requires about 35 000 to 40 000 tonnes of seed maize per season.
During the last season the seed industry doubled production levels and realised 60 000 tonnes up from 30 000 tonnes.

Mr Myers attributed the production of more seed maize to the growing appreciation among local farmers that it was a rewarding venture.
“We had anticipated an increased take up of the seed maize so we produced more. However this was not to be the case as we ended up producing more than what the market required,” he said.

He said reducing the hectarage would however affect the growers as their earning would be reduced.

“We have however secured other projects for farmers contracted to us to participate in,” he said.
“Some of the farmers under our contract scheme have been engaged by Windmill for its grain scheme where farmers will grow commercial maize for production of stock-feed.” — New Ziana.