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Ellen Chasokela Herald Reporter
Seed Co has launched two new drought tolerant maize seed varieties aimed at maximising production under dry conditions.
The two climate smart varieties are SC529 and SC649.
Addressing farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry at Rattray Arnold Research Station in Goromonzi, Seed Co managing director, Mr Denias Zaranyika hailed small scale farmers for the important role they play in agricultural production and ensuring national food security.
“Today is a day set aside for our smallholder farmers who constitute 65 percent of our business and food production in Zimbabwe,” he said. “You are a significant driver of both household and national food security. Over the 79 years, we have always treasured the special bond and relationship with smallholder farmers.”
Mr Zaranyika urged farmers to depend on weather information from the authorities planning their farming activities.
“Let us learn and take special interest in regular updates from the Meteorological Services Department who provide useful weather forecasts prior to and during the season,” he said.
“As we go into winter cropping programmes, the weather updates should inform our farming activities.”
Mr Zaranyika said the country was yearning for growth and improving agricultural productivity was central to the goal.
“The country should not only grow in population alone, but in food production and productivity as well,” he said. “Against this background, today we launch two new game changing products that are transformational to the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe.
“The two climate smart, high yielding and stable hybrid maize varieties that we are launching today – SC529 and SC649, have already changed the lives of some farmers in the past two to three seasons.
“These varieties are a product of intense breeding efforts, focused on high yielding capabilities, coupled with selecting against heat and drought; foliar and cob diseases and response to different agronomic practices.
“The two varieties will allow farmers to adapt to effects of climate change and ultimately to up-scale productivity levels, livelihoods and food security.”
Online Reporter