VALLEY Seeds on Friday officially launched its latest wheat seed varieties, Limpopo and Zambezi, in Kwekwe, Midlands at DCK Farms owned by businessman Douglas Kwande.
Officials said the launch marked a significant step towards reducing the import bill for blending wheat used in bread making.
These varieties were produced by a local breeder in a bid to close the gap on both increased yield and baking quality.
Farm manager Duncan Magaya said they were expecting a yield averaging 6,5 to seven tonnes per hectare after planting the new seed varieties in April and May this year.
“We have room for improvement, and these new varieties are proving to be effective. This is the first season we have planted these varieties, but you can see from the yields that this is the way to go,” Magaya said during a tour of the 460-hectare plot of the wheat crop at DCK Farms.
“We got our inputs through the CBZ Agro-yield and we hope to increase our hectarage next season. There is massive potential and these new varieties prove to be the solution to yield and quality maximisation.”
Kwekwe district agronomist Mukai Shoko emphasised the need for early planting.
Shoko also mentioned that Kwekwe district has reached the target of 10 000 hectares under wheat.
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“Kwande is one of our big commercial farmers in Kwekwe district. He is averaging about 6,5 to 7 tonnes per hectare, of which the break even yield for wheat is around four tonnes,” she said.
Valley Seeds chief agronomist Tinashe Bvukumbwe said the new seed varieties were not genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and were designed to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
“These varieties are not GMOs and they are ideal for adapting to phenomena posed by climate change,” Bvukumbwe said.
“I also encourage farmers to move hand-in-hand with technology while making sure that they plant their seed early. We are confident that these new varieties will do well as you can see from what is happening here at DCK Farms.”
Tich Mapongah, Valley Seeds commercial director, highlighted the potential for increased productivity and profitability.
Experts said the introduction of Limpopo and Zambezi varieties was expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the agricultural landscape in Zimbabwe, fostering sustainability and food security in the region.
