Online Reporter
Precious Manomano and Muchaneta Chimuka
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe is on track to transform its agricultural sector into a successful industry projected to generate US$15,8 billion by 2030.
This goal is supported by a series of interventions aimed at enhancing food production, improving logistics and adopting sustainable practices to address challenges in the sector, chief among them climate change.
The interventions include research and innovations on climate-resilient seed varieties.
In an interview at the Seedco Rattray Arnold Annual Field Day in Goromonzi on Wednesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, applauded seed houses for introducing high-yielding seed varieties that are commercialising subsistence farming and lifting rural communities out of poverty.
“This research station is driving the sector towards its audacious goal of becoming a US$15,8 billion industry by 2030, a critical pillar of national agriculture-led economic growth,” he said.
He said the seed varieties developed by SeedCo were integral to climate adaptation strategies, showcasing drought tolerance and resistance to diseases.
“Government explicitly provides support for climate-smart seed technologies through various input schemes, ensuring that the best genetics are affordable and accessible,” he said.
Prof Jiri emphasised that achieving food security required moving away from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-supplemented production.
The Government launched an accelerated irrigation programme designed to rehabilitate existing small-scale irrigation schemes and develop new infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply for farmers.
SeedCo managing director, Mrs Felistus Gurajena, confirmed the organisation’s commitment to national food security, anchored in the country’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The company is involved in maize breeding and has expanded to operate in over 15 countries, releasing 226 crop varieties to cater to diverse agricultural needs.
“Our focus is a direct response to the urgent challenge of climate change,” she said.
Mrs Gurajena said they were promoting climate-smart farming technologies and crop diversification.
Head of agronomy and SeedCo Africa public relations manager, Mrs Wendy Madzura, said the new varieties were important in ensuring food security.
“The variety gives farmers a fighting chance against weather vagaries and ensures they can harvest successfully,” she said, noting its disease tolerance and high yield.
Farmers in attendance expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained, illustrating the impact of such initiatives on their agricultural practices.
Mrs Lisa Manzara from Mount Darwin said the field day was an eye openner.
“I now know the ideal crops and varieties for my area,” she said.
Ms Emily Mazarura said she learnt a lot about horticulture.
“Now that I know of the demand for lettuce on the market, I am going to grow the crop,” she said.
The commitment to educating farmers and providing climate-resilient seeds underscores Zimbabwe’s journey towards achieving a US$15,8 billion agricultural industry by 2030, turning aspirations into reality through innovation and collaboration.
