Farai Mabeza
Zimbabwe has begun assessing national seed preparedness ahead of the 2026/27 summer cropping season amid forecasts of a possible low rainfall year.
The government says it is focusing on seed availability, climate resilience and protection against pests such as the fall armyworm.
The assessment comes after Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka toured the Seed Co processing plant in Harare yesterday to evaluate the company’s readiness for the upcoming agricultural season.
Speaking during the tour, Masuka said government was already planning for the next summer cropping season and wanted assurances on both the quantity and quality of seed that would be available to farmers.
“As we do the summer plan for 2026/27 we want to know seed availability that influences quantity and quality of what we are going to produce especially because there is a prediction of a likely low rainfall year which is why I took the time to see the range of crops and seed varieties that they are producing,” said Masuka.
The minister said discussions also focused on strengthening protection against the fall armyworm, a destructive pest that has repeatedly threatened maize production across the region.
“We also had a discussion regarding seed treatment of the fall armyworm especially for the presidential input scheme which goes to the communal areas where they might not have the capacity to scout and spray the fall armyworm,” he said.
Masuka added that he was encouraged by ongoing efforts to develop more resilient seed varieties.
“I was pleased to learn that there are some varieties that they are going to screen for fall armyworm resistance,” he said.
During the tour, Seed Co managing director Felistus Ndawi-Gurajena said the company had already activated its processing systems in preparation for the next farming season.
“We were showing him our preparedness for the coming season. Our machines are in operation. Seed coming through our factory dryer is already being conditioned and treated,” said Ndawi-Gurajena.
She said the company had also installed new seed screening technology aimed at improving efficiency and speeding up seed availability onto the market.
“We also took advantage to show him our newly installed colour sorting machine which is game changing technology in terms of seed screening and our ability to have seed on the market much earlier than before,” she said.
Colour sorting technology uses optical sensors and cameras to identify and remove defective, discoloured or damaged seed, improving overall seed quality and consistency.
Zimbabwe has increasingly prioritised climate-smart agriculture and improved seed systems as part of efforts to strengthen national food security amid changing rainfall patterns and recurring pest outbreaks.
