Seed manufacturing companies have declared their preparedness for the 2016/2017 farming season, saying they have enough seed to cater for the county’s demand.
This came out during a familiarization tour of seed producers by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture and Irrigation Development on Tuesday.
Agri Seeds Managing Director, Simon Nyanhete told the committee that his company is fully prepared for the 2016/2017 farming season, with 500 tons of maize seed having already been distributed while 90 tons remain in stock.
“I can confirm that as Agri Seeds we are well on course in terms of seed provision. We have already distributed 500 tons of maize seed into the market and we have 90 tons which we hope will be released next week.
“We released the seed early after confirmation from the Meteorological Service Department that there would be more rains this season so we knew most farmers would seize the opportunity to have an early farming season,” said Nyanhete.
He confirmed that Agri Seeds has also participated in the Presidential Input Scheme but did not participate in the Command Agriculture Program since they did not get procurement orders although they would have liked to participate and contribute to the Food and Nutrition Cluster under the ZIMASSET program.
His sentiments were echoed by Du Point Pioneer Zimbabwe General Manager, Themba Nkathazo who assured farmers that there is enough maize seed for the country.
Nkathazo quashed earlier reports that the country was facing acute seed shortages, saying the country was manufacturing enough maize seed adding that in the event of increased demand they were prepared to fill the gap by importing from Zambia.
“As you might be aware that there is big anticipation of the summer crop farming season, we have thus increased our production of the maize seed. We have also come up with different varieties that are drought tolerant so that in the unlikeliest event, we encounter another drought, they will be able to withstand the dry spell,” said Nkathazo.
He however implored ZESA and ZINWA to make electricity and water more affordable to farmers to ensure increased crop production in the country.
