SEED CO International (Seed Co) says it is making headway in its efforts to find a solution to deal with fall armyworm and cob rot tolerant maize germplasm.
Fall armyworm is a pest that has spread across Africa destroying maize crops, posing a major threat to food security. Seed Co has over the years embarked on different climate-smart mitigation measures which include ultra-early (short season) maturity varieties, adaptation to drought inclusive of the medium and late maturity varieties that are adapted to high temperatures and heat stress with a high nitrogen use efficiency to manage leaching which results from heavy downpours.
Morgan Nzwere, Seed Co chief executive
The varieties also have good disease tolerance and resistance, especially to cob rot.
“Intellectual property generated from a strong research and development innovation pipeline continues to be the bedrock of the business,” Seed Co chief executive, Morgan Nzwere, said in the group’s 2023 annual report.
“To this end, our research and development, which anchors our ESG innovation pillar, is designed to churn out seed solutions that contribute to creating a sustainable and profitable agricultural landscape that addresses climate challenges, supports farmers, and provides sustenance for both people and livestock.
“This involves offering improved seed varieties, along with agronomic training and support to ensure the efficient use of arable land and farming resources.”
Nzwere added that the group continues to renew its product pipeline in line with climate change to make both small- and large-scale farming ventures profitable while positively impacting vital economic value chains.
“Specifically, we aim to introduce a minimum of five new and enhanced maize hybrid varieties annually, along with at least one improved variety from other crop categories,” he said.
“Given our growing African footprint, we are taking advantage of regional harmonisation to fast-track the official release and recognition of new seed varieties across markets.”
During the year under review, Seed Co International’s revenue grew 17 percent driven by 11 percent volume growth in Tanzania and Kenya as well as Zambia.
Net exchange impact reversed US$6 million into the negative driven by exchange losses mainly in Zambia and Kenya.
“This was a major dent in profitability. Overheads increased in line with business growth in East Africa and response to global inflation,” Nzwere said.
“Tanzania continues to be a shining beacon amidst regional turbulences. If we had enough seed in that market, we could have sold another 3 000 tonnes.” newsdesk@fingaz.co.zw