Agricultural innovation and climate resilience dominated discussions at the Seed Co Annual Field Day held on March 11, where farmers, government officials, and industry stakeholders gathered to witness new seed technologies designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s food production systems.
Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, stated in his speech as a guest of honor that the field day demonstrated the value of research-driven agriculture in bolstering the nation’s food systems.
“This Field Day is more than just a seasonal event; it is a crucial cornerstone of our national agricultural calendar and a celebration of the science of agriculture,” Jiri remarked. “It is a great pleasure and a distinct honor to be with you today at this prestigious Seed Co Rattray Arnold Research Station.”
He noted that partnerships between government and private companies such as Seed Co are key to advancing agricultural productivity and supporting Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
“The innovation you see around you today is perfectly aligned with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030,” said Jiri. “By developing high-yielding, locally adapted, and climate-smart varieties, Seed Co provides the engine for our national drive towards perennial food security.”
He reported that government programs, including irrigation development, mechanization initiatives, and improved agro-ecological planning, were being implemented to ensure farmers can maximize the benefits of improved seed technologies.
He also welcomed the launch of a new climate-smart maize variety during the field day.
“Today we witnessed the launch of a new climate-smart maize variety in the very early maturity series, SC449, which is a testament to the continuous development of adaptable seed technologies,” he said.
Seed Co. Managing Director Mrs. Felistus Gurajena said the company’s research efforts continue to focus on providing farmers with varieties suited to Africa’s diverse environments while addressing the growing threat of climate change.
“It is an honor to welcome our government officials, stakeholders, and most importantly the farmers who are the backbone of our economy,” Gurajena said. “Today, as we celebrate Seed Co’s legacy, we are not just showcasing our latest varieties; we are reaffirming our constant dedication to national food security. Seed Co’s history in Zimbabwe stretches back more than 85 years, with the company pioneering the development of SR52, the first single-cross hybrid maize that helped transform maize production in the region.”
“From those beginnings, Seed Co has grown into a pan-African seed company operating in more than 15 countries and releasing over 226 crop varieties across multiple crops,” she said.
She added that the company is expanding its seed portfolio beyond maize to promote crop diversification and strengthen nutrition security.
“Our product basket now includes new sorghum hybrids for dry regions; improved wheat varieties; soybeans and sunflowers; as well as horticultural crops,” Gurajena said. “These innovations are our direct contribution to the national goal of building a prosperous and food-secure nation.”
Farmers attending the field day were able to tour demonstration plots, interact with scientists, and exchange ideas with fellow producers and agribusiness partners abbest practices to improve productivity.
Jiri urged farmers to embrace the new technologies and strengthen collaboration with extension officers and private sector experts to unlock the full potential of improved seed varieties.
He urged farmers to adopt new technologies and work closely with extension officers to unlock the full potential of improved seed varieties.
“The government’s philosophy is clear: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo – a nation is built by its own people,” he said. “Let us continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder as government, private sector and farmers to realize a future of perennial food security and prosperity for all Zimbabweans.”
The event drew hundreds of farmers from across all provinces and the region to the Rattray Arnold Research Station, where researchers and agronomists showcased new crop varieties and demonstrated farming technologies targeted at improving yields and adapting to changing climatic conditions. They celebtated the two new seed varieties by cutting a ribbon, popping a bottle of sparkling wine and the Zimbabwe Prisons band wrapped it all up with entertainment.
