Seed genetics critical for good yields

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter 

AS planting for the 2022/23 season accelerates, farmers have been urged to prioritise genetics of their seed varieties as they also have a bearing on their crop yields. 

Studies show that seed quality is determined by a number of genetic and physiological characteristics, while seeds with good genetics have been proven to produce high yields. 

Speaking at a Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)-SeedCo field day at ADRA Montgomery Farm in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province recently, Matabeleland North provincial training specialist Ms Charity Mapira who was standing in for the acting director of Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces, Mr Dumisani Nyoni said seed genetics were critical for good yields. 

“Farmers need to invest in good genetics for the seed varieties they plant. Seed of high quality have high percentages for vigour and germination. These seeds ensure farmers achieve more successful harvests also in areas affected by climate change,” she said. 

She said well-bred seed coupled with good agronomic and management practices were some of the key things farmers should take into consideration as they plant. 

Commending some of the crops that were in the fields at the farm, Ms Mapira said in line with Zimbabwe’s vision to become an upper middle-income economy by 2030, the Zimbabwe Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan was a vital milestone in the implementation of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy and increasing climate resilience. 

“Horticulture can increase food security, replace imported goods, increase exports, create jobs and raise household incomes. Agriculture is at the centre of Zimbabwe’s economy and holds the key to poverty reduction, economic and industrial development. Successful and productive farming is the golden key to food security and natural well-being.” 

ADRA acting country director Mr Fortune Goredema said they were working with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in the horticulture sector. 

“Following the launch of the National Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan by Government of Zimbabwe, ADRA Zimbabwe with the support from ADRA Australia and Australian Government through the Australian NGO Co-operation Programme (ANCP), is now partnering the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in the implementation and sensitisation of the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan.” 

He said they had also partnered with SeedCo Vegetables at the farm to ensure they make markets work for smallholder farmers. 

Mr Goredema said in line with the thematic area focusing on agricultural programme, they were implementing a project titled ENGAGE which is running from July 2021 to June 2024 targeting 5 000 direct beneficiaries in Umguza, Murewa and Mutoko districts. 

SeedCo Vegetables general manager, Mrs Felistus Ndawi Gurajena said having the right seeds was critical for farmers to produce high yields.  She said as a company they have made a substantial contribution to the horticultural sector through development, production and provision of top-quality seed varieties for all agro-ecological zones. 

“Seed Co Vegetables represents some leading international seed companies. The company imports, exports and produces seeds in Zimbabwe exporting to various countries. The company is working towards contributing to the success of the Agriculture Recovery and Growth Plan.” 

The field day was attended by farmers and farmer representatives from Umguza, Murewa, Mutoko and surrounding areas.