HARARE – Seed Co Zimbabwe sparkled at the Harare Agricultural Show winning two awards.
The seed producer was adjudged the Best Overall Exhibitor and the Best Exhibitor in the agricultural sector.
The awards came at time Seed Co, which controls more than half of the local market and is a significant player on the continent, has placed more emphasis on seed security.
“We are deliberate and intentional on seeding and feeding Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond. Our focus is on import substitutions, exports, nutrition balance and job creation,” said Denias Zaranyika, Seed Co managing director.
The company, he said, has invested heavily in research and develoment locally to reduce the importation of small grains, oil and rice.
“We will certainly be releasing varieties that suit our environmental conditions and we are working with millers and oil extraction companies to ensure our breeders provide product properties that respond to market needs and dictates,” Zaranyika said.
He said research and development, which has been part of the organisation’s DNA since 1940, was designed to churn out new and better varieties that can withstand the vagaries of climate change. “Drought and disease resistance and tolerance is key in our research. Seed Co varieties therefore aim to raise the living standards of Zimbabweans across the board,” Zaranyika said.
“Households are being transformed through Seed Co varieties. Massive investment continues to be poured into raising farmer yields through agronomy and extension services.”
He said Seed Co was working with various partners to “ensure the horticulture industry grows to occupy meaningful space in supermarkets abroad”.
