AGRICULTURAL giant Seed Co has intensified its push for climate-smart farming technologies and crop diversification with the launch of new seed varieties.
The launch follows the El Niño-induced drought that devastated crops during the 2024-25 farming season, leaving around seven million Zimbabweans in need of food aid.
Speaking at the Rattray Arnold Research Station field day in Shamva on Wednesday, Seed Co managing director Felistus Gurajena said the new seed varieties were tailored to the country’s changing ecology.
“Our focus is a direct response to the urgent challenge of climate change. We are leading the drive for climate-smart farming technologies and crop diversification,” Gurajena said
The company launched a wheat variety, SCW9104, which is high-yielding (up to 10 tonnes per hectare), resistant to yellow leaf rust and produces a white flour colour preferred by local millers.
It also introduced SC449, an early maturity hybrid maize.
“The newly-launched SC449 joins a generation of ultra-early and early maturity maize hybrids — such as SC301, SC303 and Mukadzi usaende SC419 — designed for resilience and early harvests,” Gurajena said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said the launch aligned with government’s broader agricultural strategy.
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“By developing high-yielding, locally adapted and climate-smart varieties, Seed Co provides the engine for our national drive towards perennial food security,” he said.
“Furthermore, the diversification enables us to move beyond reliance on one staple, significantly contributing to nutrition security.”
