SeedCo faces a double blow as El Ni\u00f1o\u2019s erratic weather patterns and reduced Government orders have led to a decline in seed sales for the country\u2019s leading seed breeder.<\/p>\n
The company reported a decrease in sales, attributing it to both a projected poor rainy season and a reduction in Government orders for state-funded agricultural programmes, managing director Terrence Chimanya told journalist during a media interactive event.<\/p>\n
The decline comes amidst broader concerns about food security in Zimbabwe, with El Ni\u00f1o\u2019s impact threatening crop yields and potentially pushing food prices upward.<\/p>\n
Citing regulations from the stock exchange prohibiting disclosure of certain information during a closed period, Chimanya declined to provide specific figures on the decline in seed sales.<\/p>\n
The 2023\/24 rainy season has been marked by unpredictable weather patterns, a hallmark of El Ni\u00f1o. November saw widespread dryness, followed by periods of intense rainfall in December. The fluctuations have created uncertainty for farmers, impacting their planting decisions and seed purchases.<\/p>\n
Adding to the challenges, SeedCo has seen a decline in Government orders for state-funded agricultural programmes.<\/p>\n
The programmes typically play a crucial role in supporting small-scale farmers and promoting food security.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, SeedCo is set to launch two new climate-resilient seed varieties \u2013 SC665, a medium maize hybrid, and SCXH102, a sorghum variety.<\/p>\n
The new offerings are designed to be more tolerant of drought and heat stress, offering hope for farmers navigating the uncertainties of drier conductions.<\/p>\n
SeedCo has been investing in research and development to create climate-smart varieties.<\/p>\n
The climate smart seed varieties are specifically bred to be more tolerant of drought, heat stress and other climate extremes, helping farmers adapt to changing conditions.<\/p>\n
By offering improved resistance and potentially higher yields, the varieties can help farmers maintain or even increase their production despite the challenges of climate change.<\/p>\n
As the harvest season approaches, Zimbabwe\u2019s agricultural sector and food security remain under a cloud of uncertainty.-ebusinessweekly<\/p>\n
SeedCo navigates El Nino challenges<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n