Work on increasing yields, farmers told

yesterday.
Officiating at a Seed Co field day at Kadoma Research Station, Governor Chidarikire said he was concerned that productivity on farms was dwindling.
He said local seed houses were coming up with high yield varieties but productivity continued on a downward trend.
“For instance we have heard that the SC637, which is grown in some parts of this province and elsewhere has yielded 17,5 tonnes per hectare at ART Farm.
However, despite the potential yield inherent in these varieties, the majority of our farmers continue to produce less than a tonne per hectare.
“It is mandatory that we push our average yields to over two tonnes per hectare so that we deliver 3,4 million tonnes of maize into our granaries,” he said.
Governor Chidarikire urged farmers to continue learning new skills and boost productivity.
“I challenge farmers to put the seed technology being produced here to good use by ensuring that we produce to the maximum potential to make farming much more exciting and ensure food security, sustainability and improved cash income.”
Seed Co managing director, Mr Denias Zaranyika, said field days were important to both Seed Co and farmers because they offered a platform to share experiences.
He said this kind of interaction improved farming operations as well as giving pointers to Seed Co researchers and breeders.
Mr Zaranyika said Seed Co’s team of researchers was in the process of breeding an ultra-early maize hybrid than the currently available early maturing hybrids.
The field day was attended by farmers from Masvingo, Mashonaland West, students from agricultural colleges and Agritex officers.