SeedCo unveils climate-resilient tomato varieties to boost farmer yields
ROBIN PHIRI
Zimbabwe’s largest seed producer, SeedCo Limited, has launched two new open-field tomato varieties as part of its ongoing efforts to help Zimbabwean farmers combat erratic weather patterns and increase crop productivity.
Unveiled during the company’s recent Field Day, the new varieties are specifically bred for resilience against excessive rainfall and emerging crop diseases, which have become more prevalent amid changing climate conditions.
“I’m proud to introduce two coded tomato varieties specifically bred for open field production. They are a glimpse into our pipeline and what’s coming next to serve you better,” said SeedCo Vegetables General Manager, Patrick Mtandwa.
Mtandwa underscored SeedCo’s commitment to providing high-performing, well-adapted seed varieties supported by agronomic expertise tailored to local farming conditions.
“These new varieties are backed by data and tested in the very environments you’re working in every day,” he noted.
The Field Day also served as a platform for practical demonstrations of good agronomic practices. SeedCo’s agronomy team has been actively engaging farmers on key techniques such as proper planting schedules, crop rotation, timely spraying regimes, and disease scouting—all critical practices to unlock the full potential of the new tomato seeds.
The launch reflects SeedCo’s broader vision of developing climate-smart agriculture solutions that can withstand drought, disease, and extreme weather. The company’s research and development efforts are focused on producing crop varieties that are disease-resistant, marketable, flavorful, and have enhanced shelf life—traits that are increasingly essential as climate change reshapes agricultural landscapes.
Beauty Magiya, SeedCo’s Sales and Marketing Manager, highlighted the importance of aligning new seed development with farmers’ real-world challenges.
“In terms of commercial viability, we ask farmers about their pain points. This includes issues such as disease management, uniformity, quality, and yield. When a farmer considers purchasing a new variety, these are the aspects they aim to enhance,” Magiya said. “So before we commercialize a variety, we make sure that in terms of yield, it is better than the varieties that we are having currently on the market.”
Farmers and other stakeholders present at the event expressed optimism about the potential of the new varieties to improve harvests and fortify resilience. With continued collaboration and the adoption of sound agronomic practices, the new tomato lines are expected to play a significant role in enhancing the sustainability and profitability of Zimbabwe’s vegetable farming sector.
