Local seed breeders are responding positively to the government’s initiative to promote climate-smart seed production, with a domestic company shifting its focus to the development of both improved maize varieties and traditional grain seed banks.
During a recent visit to a seed production facility in Harare, workers were seen packing wheat seed for distribution to farmers under the Presidential Input Scheme.
“Despite reports from other sources, our workforce is diligently at work. We have a national responsibility to fulfill, and we are packing 60 tonnes a day to ensure timely delivery of wheat seed to farmers,” stated Tonderai Masuku, plant manager at Zadzamatura Seed House.
With traditional grains proving to be a reliable solution for food security amidst climate challenges, the company has intensified its efforts to establish sustainable, climate-smart seed banks.
“We have embraced the government’s policy to develop drought-resistant seed varieties. Traditional grains have proven to be a resilient strategy in dealing with climate change. We are scaling up the production of these seeds and establishing a dependable seed bank to contribute to food security,” said Talent Ndige, field manager at Zadzamatura Seed House.
With favorable rains this season, the country is poised for a bumper harvest, and the local industry is working tirelessly to ensure national development goals are met.
