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Ellen Chasokela Herald Reporter
SYNGENTA has launched a new drought and disease tolerant maize seed variety and a new maize herbicide aimed at maximising production under dry conditions.
The new maize seed variety is SY5944 maize hybrid and the maize herbicide is Lumax.
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos, who presided over the launch, said economic growth and recovery can be achieved through the use of high-yielding and drought-tolerant crop varieties coupled with effective agro-chemicals.
“The innovation that we are releasing onto the market today in the form of SY5944 Maize Hybrid and Lumax Maize herbicide has come at the most opportune time when the nation is preparing for the forthcoming 2019/20 growing season.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has clearly spelt out the need to increase agricultural production and productivity in order to drive economic growth and recovery.
“This can only be achieved through use of high-yielding and drought-tolerant crop varieties coupled with effective agro-chemicals. Hence, it is my sincere hope and desire that the launch of these two products will contribute significantly to achieving this national objective,’’ he said.
Deputy Minister Haritatos said climate change affected the performance of food production systems and therefore combating climate change should be the responsibility of all sectors of the economy.
“Climate change affects the performance of food production systems, exerts pressure on resources that we depend on and increases risks associated with disasters, such as droughts and floods,’’ he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter