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Tina Musonza Herald Correspondent
Former Seed Co regional managing director and former chairman of African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Mr Denias Zaranyika, has been conferred with a lifetime membership award by the Zimbabwe Seed Association and AFSTA for his leadership and contribution in the seed industry, locally and regionally.
Mr Zaranyika, popularly known as DZ in the seed industry, has more than 30 years in the sector.
He has been involved in strategic management that built up his capacity for leadership with strong and wide knowledge, which benefited the Zimbabwe Seed Association and AFSTA immensely.
Officiating at the ceremony, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos, said Mr Zaranyika’s contribution to the seed industry and trade market had boosted agricultural production.
He described Mr Zaranyika as a visionary, and someone who is passionate and resilient.
“A lifetime membership award is bestowed to a small but very distinguished group of individuals who have been recognised for providing a significant period of years of continuous and extraordinary service to an organisation,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.
“DZ exudes enthusiasm and passion. Our country, and indeed the industry, have faced some challenges over the years. But what I have seen in DZ is resilience in the face of those obstacles.
“Each time we have had meetings to discuss issues affecting the industry, DZ oozes with passion. This is clearly shown by the positive outlook that he exhibits as we attempt to overcome prevailing issues.
“Look at Seed Co, a technology and science driven company you (Mr Zaranyika) led. It addresses realistic issues faced by farmers, and when you retired, it had a basketful of diverse products meeting current needs of stakeholders — what a vision.”
Deputy Minister Haritatos said through Mr Zaranyika’s contribution to the seed market, all the sub-sectors are performing well in a manner that enhances the contribution of the whole sector to the growth of the economy.
“However, exceptional growth is being noticed in the maize, tobacco, cattle, dairy, and horticulture sub-spaces. Emerging crops like blueberries and industrial hemp are also joining the ranks,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Zaranyika said it was crucial to continue supplying good seed to farmers to increase productivity.
“I accept and will treasure these awards in the full knowledge that the great work that we are doing to promote the growth of the seed industry in Zimbabwe and Africa is now bearing fruits,” he said.
“I realise though that this is acknowledgement of a career that has been characterised by a combination of opportunity and hard work. But I have also enjoyed a lifetime of learning, paying attention to how others do things, learning from them and trying to do things differently and exploring new approaches.
“It is my dream to see modern farming practices that make farming pleasurable and rewarding; easier and faster; save time and energy. It is my dream to see quicker introduction of more prolific seed varieties. It is my dream to see agriculture that is driven by the youth.”
Mr Zaranyika retired in 2022.
He had assumed the position of regional managing director, responsible for the Southern Africa Cluster comprising Zimbabwe, Zambia Malawi and Mozambique.
He saw Seed Co expand its business to 17 countries in Africa, becoming “the African seed company” in word and deed, as well as expand its product portfolio including bringing in horticulture seed products into the fold.
Mr Zaranyika was among a group of men and women who pioneered the formation of the Zimbabwe Seed Association.
He was chairman of the Association between 2016 and 2019, and enabled the ZSA to host the 2015 AFSTA annual congress in Victoria Falls.
The event attracted over 500 delegates, a record for AFSTA.
AFSTA, the voice of the seed industry in Africa, was formed in 2000 to champion the interests of private seed companies in Africa.
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