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 its requirements for the Presidential Input Programme having already been sourced.
Speaking during a media familiarisation tour of the company’s seed processing facilities in Ruwa and Juru last week, the company’s managing director Mr Aluis Chareka reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring national food security by providing Zimbabwe with the highest quality seeds.
“We are fully prepared to meet farmers’ demands and contribute to our country’s agricultural advancement,” he said.
“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 supporting our operations.
“In addition to our seasonal readiness, we are expanding infrastructure.
“A new storage shed is under construction at our Juru Manufacturing Plant to enhance our capabilities.”
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 Ruwa.
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 sorghum, 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 get top-quality products, setting the industry standard for excellence.
“With over 30 years of experience collaborating closely with Zimbabwean farmers, we deeply understand the country’s climate and supply seeds suitable for different ecological zones.
“We have expertly tailored solutions for local farmers,” stated Mr Maponga.
Valley Seeds boasts a highly professional team geared 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
Mr Maponga explained that careful quality checks are a top priority for the company.
He noted that the company collects seeds from their farmers when they still have some moisture (between 22 percent and 26 percent). They then dry the seeds precisely to 12,5 percent moisture content.
This careful drying process is essential because it ensures the seeds reach the ideal dryness, which helps them maintain high quality.
By doing this, the company guarantees that their seeds will sprout evenly and last longer on the shelf.
Mr Maponga noted that Valley Seeds takes a hands-on approach with their large-scale farmers.
The company deploys its extension officers onto farms in a bid to help oversee the process.
The officers provide farming advice, manage harvesting and delivery and ensure farmers are consistently using the best methods for producing seeds.
The system doesn’t just protect the quality of the seeds; it also builds a strong community of knowledgeable farmers who see better harvests every year.
Valley Seeds also owns Southern Cotton, further expanding its commitment to the agricultural sector.
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