SeedCo Unveils Smarter Farming Seed Varieties

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

SeedCo Vegetables has introduced new tomato seed varieties developed for Zimbabwe’s open field conditions, as part of its ongoing efforts to support farmers battling erratic weather and crop diseases.

“We’re not here because our farmers don’t know how to farm,” said SeedCo Vegetables General Manager Patrick Mtandwa. “We’re here because they want to do better. They want to grow smarter.”

Mtandwa said the company is focused on breeding seed that is both high-yielding and resistant to diseases.

“This season has been difficult,” he said. “We’ve seen Black Rot in cauliflower, Purple Blotch in onions, Late Blight in tomatoes, and Alternaria in carrots.”

He added that agronomy has become a strategic part of farming.

“Agronomy is no longer optional, it’s strategic,” said Mtandwa.

Suppliers of fertilizer, chemicals, nursery services, and machinery were present, with SeedCo officials saying the agriculture sector needs full coordination across all players.

SeedCo is celebrating 85 years of operation under the theme “Keep Growing.”