Seed Co rolls out new high-yield, climate-resilient varieties
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Seed Co, Zimbabwe’s largest seed producer, is set to introduce new seed varieties this year aimed at enhancing yields while offering improved disease and drought resistance, Business Times can report.
With climate change posing increasing challenges to agriculture, the demand for resilient seed varieties that can thrive in diverse weather conditions has grown significantly.
Speaking at Seed Co’s annual Rattray Arnold Research Station (RARS) Field Day recently, Seed Co Global Head of Research and Development, Dr. Gorden Mabuyaye, said the new varieties will provide farmers with wider adaptability, higher yields, and better resistance to environmental stressors.
“I will start with the yellow maize varieties. We are introducing two new options—one in the 500 series and another in the 600 series. In white maize, we have two ultra-early varieties in the 300 series, SC305 and SC307. For the 400 series, we are adding SC449, while in the 500 series, SC561 will be part of the lineup. In the 600 series, we are introducing SC665,” Dr Mabuyaye said.
“In addition, we are rolling out new varieties across multiple crops. These include SCPV04 for beans, SCSZ08 and SCSZ06 for soybeans, a new sunflower variety, two pure millet varieties, two sorghum varieties, and three cowpea varieties. We also expect to commercialize a new vegetable variety, the cappuccino covo,” he added.
Dr Mabuyaye emphasised that Seed Co’s primary focus remains on yield optimization, ensuring that every new variety brought to market offers added benefits such as enhanced disease resistance and pest tolerance.
“For example, SC561 and SC449 are healthier plants with greater resistance to pest pressure, while SC665 is widely adaptable, making it a strong option for mitigating climate risks. With climate change affecting agricultural production, it is crucial to develop varieties that are stable across different geographical regions,” he said.
Seed Co CEO Morgan Nzwere highlighted the company’s commitment to improving food security through climate-smart seed varieties tailored for harsh weather conditions.
“Seed Co has taken proactive measures to address climate change, given its profound impact on food security and agricultural productivity. To counter these effects, we have developed climate-smart seeds that withstand extreme weather conditions,” Nzwere said.
He added that the company is also diversifying its portfolio by promoting climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, sunflower, millet, and legumes. Additionally, Seed Co has developed a range of maize varieties with different maturity periods to accommodate various planting dates, season lengths, and end-use requirements.
“Through these innovations, Seed Co aims to support farmers in adapting to climate change, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” Nzwere said.
Meanwhile, Seed Co is celebrating its 85th anniversary, marking decades of empowering farmers with high-quality seed varieties that have significantly shaped Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape and the broader African continent.
