mbulelo smpofu
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
FARMERS were inspired by the performance of Seed Co’s SC 727 maize variety during a field day held last Sunday at Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe District.
The event, attended by legislators, including members of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), showcased the variety’s remarkable potential.
The farm, owned by the First Family, demonstrated the SC 727 variety’s high-yield potential, with President Mnangagwa personally showcasing cobs from the crop, leaving the legislators in awe.
The variety, dubbed Tsvimbo yaMoses or Murigadzose, boasts features such as potential yields of up to 18 tonnes per hectare under optimal management, longer cobs with numerous grains, resistance to common maize diseases and strong standability.
At Pricabe Farm, President Mnangagwa revealed that the SC 727 variety had achieved an impressive yield of 14 tonnes per hectare.
Seed Co, a leader in agricultural innovation, has invested significantly in research and development through facilities such as Kadoma Research Station, Rattray Arnold Research Station in Shamva and Stapleford Research Station. These efforts ensure the development of maize seed varieties tailored to different agro-ecological regions across the country.
Speaking at the event, Seed Co sales manager Mr Ronnie Chigombe, expressed pride in being associated with the exceptional maize crop showcased by the First Family.
“It shows that the farmer is following good agronomic principles and wisely chose the right variety. It starts with the right seed. Farmers attending the tour were thrilled by the SC 727, with many making enquiries about the variety,” he said.
Mr Chigombe explained that the SC 727 and SC 719 varieties are ideal for farmers with irrigation or those farming in regions one, two and parts of region three under dryland conditions. These varieties are high-yielding and adaptable, making them suitable for commercial farming.
For regions with lower rainfall, such as parts of regions three and four, Seed Co offers early-maturing varieties like the Mbizi group (500 series), including SC 513, SC 547 and SC 555. These varieties mature early and can yield nine to 10 tonnes per hectare under good management.
In drier regions such as region four, farmers are encouraged to plant the Tsoko group (400 series), including SC 419 and SC 437, which yield eight to nine tonnes per hectare. These varieties are drought- and heat-tolerant without compromising yields.
For regions four and five, ultra-early maturing varieties such as SC 301 and SC 303 are recommended. These mature faster than other maize varieties and can yield up to seven tonnes per hectare under good management.
“Other varieties that can give farmers good returns on every dollar invested are the medium-maturing varieties, for example, SC 659 and SC 657, among others. These are recommended for regions one, two and three under dryland conditions and can be grown under irrigation across all regions,” he said.
Mr Chigombe also advised farmers in drier areas to consider small grains such as sorghum and sugar beans. Seed Co offers SC Sila, a white sorghum variety, and SC XH102, a new red hybrid sorghum variety, both yielding seven to eight tonnes per hectare. Small grains like sunflower and sugar beans are resilient and suitable for late planting.
Pricabe Farm stands out as a model of agricultural innovation, showcasing a diverse range of crops and livestock, including the renowned Ankole breed. President Mnangagwa’s commitment to agricultural development and food security in Zimbabwe and the SADC region is evident in the farm’s success.
As SADC chairperson, President Mnangagwa continues to demonstrate his dedication to improving food security across the region, setting an example for farmers to follow.
