By Tendai Chisiri
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka during Seed Co Stapleford visit
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, has commended Seed Co for its pivotal role in strengthening national food security through climate-smart seed technologies, following a tour of the company’s Stapleford facility Wednesday
During the visit, Dr. Masuka lauded Seed Co for its “leading role” in the agriculture sector, noting that the company’s seed varieties are tailored for different agro-ecological regions and align closely with the Ministry’s national crop mapping program.
“The company’s climate-smart seed technologies are tailor-made for different agro-ecological regions and strongly align with the Ministry’s national crop mapping program,” Dr. Masuka said.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting farmers with irrigation, mechanization, inputs, and technical expertise to achieve targets under the National Development Strategy 2. The Minister also urged Seed Co to accelerate research and production of traditional grains, specifically mentioning sunflower, sorghum, and pearl millet.
Government support for irrigation remains key, he added, calling on Seed Co to collaborate with the seven banks currently backed by the state.
*Seed Co highlights modernization and quality drive*
Seed Co management showcased its end-to-end seed production value chain spanning research, pre-planting, production, processing, and quality assurance, supported by depots, agro-dealers, and the Stapleford Own Shop.
At the heart of operations is the Seed Co Quality Lab, where all seed is certified to meet or exceed standards. “Pure for sure” is the company’s quality mantra, with processes aligned to the International Seed Trade Association and national regulatory boards to ensure high purity and germination rates.
Recent investments include a new colour sorting machine to separate rotten from good seed, reducing waste and boosting throughput, and the installation of a new seed grading machine as part of a cost-reduction strategy. The facility has also replaced its warehouse roof to maintain optimal seed quality and is upgrading its factory dryer, built five years ago with a 5,000 MT capacity.
In processing, Seed Co is automating early stages of its artificial maize dryer operations and migrating to new poly woven packaging. It is also procuring long-shelf-life insecticides for treating all maize seed to cut write-offs and complaints.
The company confirmed ongoing trials and talks with the Stockfeed Manufacturers Association of Zimbabwe and the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council on demand for yellow maize seed and hybrid sunflower. Its Grower Transformation Initiative is assisting growers to acquire centre pivots, solar farms, dryers, and on-farm seed cleaners.
Seed Co also reaffirmed its role as a regional supplier, exporting seed to Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. Factory drying gives it a competitive edge in delivery speed.
Management noted a slowdown in investment for rice and sunflower due to slow development of open markets for those crops.
*Weather and fake seed flagged as risks*
Dr. Masuka closed the visit by acknowledging key risks facing the sector, including drought and the infiltration of fake seed into the market.
Seed Co said it remains committed to heavy R&D investment in Zimbabwe, with product development guided by market demand, including the recent launch of the SC449 hybrid.
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