Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
VALLEY SEEDS, a premier seed house, says it is fully prepared for the 2025–2026 farming season, with 60 percent of seeds for the Presidential Input Programme (PIP) already sourced.
Speaking during a media familiarisation tour of the company’s seed processing facilities in Ruwa and Juru last week, Valley Seeds Managing Director, Mr Aluis Chareka, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring national food security, by supplying Zimbabwe with the highest quality seeds.
“We are fully prepared to meet farmers’ demands and contribute to our country’s agricultural advancement. We have excellent relationships with our stakeholders — the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion — who continue to support our operations.
“In addition to our seasonal readiness, we are expanding our infrastructure. A new storage shed is under construction at our Juru Manufacturing Plant, to enhance our storage capabilities,” he said.
Valley Seeds recently commissioned a state-of-the-art traditional grains processing plant in Ruwa. The company is also actively strengthening the seed value chain by developing an oil and stock feed manufacturing plant in the same area.
Commercial Director, Mr Tich Maponga, emphasised the company’s preparedness to meet local market demands.
“This seed is specifically produced for the local market. We are also focusing on increasing vegetable seed production, to support the country’s horticultural trajectory,” Mr Maponga said.
Valley Seeds supplies maize, sorghum, sugar bean, soya bean, sunflower seeds and traditional grains including groundnuts, millet and cowpeas. It also supplies herbicides, knapsacks and fall armyworm chemicals.
“We are proud of our innovative production facilities and robust delivery network. This ensures farmers receive top-quality products, setting the industry standard for excellence.
“With over 30 years of experience working closely with Zimbabwean farmers, we have a deep understanding of the country’s climate and supply seeds suited to different ecological zones. We offer expertly tailored solutions for local farmers,” said Mr Maponga.
Valley Seeds boasts a highly professional team dedicated to engaging with key agricultural stakeholders.
“We are committed to continuously sourcing products that meet the unique needs of the Zimbabwean market,” said Mr Maponga.
He explained that rigorous quality checks are a top priority for the company. Seeds are collected from farmers while still containing some moisture (between 22 and 26 percent), then dried precisely to 12,5 percent moisture content.
This careful drying process is essential to ensure the seeds reach optimal dryness, which helps maintain their high quality. By doing so, the company guarantees that its seeds germinate evenly and have a longer shelf life.
Mr Maponga noted that Valley Seeds takes a hands-on approach with its large-scale farmers.
The company deploys extension officers to farms to oversee the process, provide farming advice, manage harvesting and delivery, and ensure farmers consistently apply best practices in seed production.
This system not only protects seed quality, but also builds a strong community of knowledgeable farmers, who enjoy improved harvests year after year.
Valley Seeds also owns Southern Cotton, further expanding its footprint and commitment to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
