Zim scientist elected

Sifelani Tsiko

Fact Check Editor

UNIVERSITY of Zimbabwe crop scientist Dr Casper Kamutando has been elected vice president of the African Plant Breeders Association.

Dr Kamutando, who is also president of the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA), was elected at the just-ended 4th biennial African Plant Breeders Association’s (APBA) Conference, which was held in Victoria Falls.

He will hold the position until 2027 when the next elections will be held.

His election marks a significant achievement by Zimbabwean scientists, bringing global recognition to the country’s plant breeding prowess and leadership in the agricultural landscape.

“Colleagues, please join me in congratulating the president of the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA), Dr Casper Nyaradzai Kamutando, on his election as Vice President of the African Plant Breeders Association (APBA), a position he will hold until 2027,” said Leslie Mpeti, an official of the ZPBA.

“We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes as he embarks on this esteemed continental role.”

Ministry of Lands Agriculture Fisheries Water and Rural Development chief director, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo said: “Congratulations on your new responsibility for Africa. All the best during your tenure.”

Zimbabwe hosted the APBA biennial conference to share and discuss plant breeding advancements in Africa.

The conference offered delegates networking opportunities among plant breeders and various other sectors, including the public sector, private industry, and organisations like the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

More than 400 delegates from Africa and beyond participated at this conference.

Zimbabwe has a long history of organised plant breeding, seed certification and production and as a result, the country has established a good reputation in seed production and distribution.

It is widely regarded as an outstanding example and generally reliable supplier of high quality seed of several crops.

In addition, the country has trained a number of plant breeders who now hold influential positions in regional and international plant breeding bodies.