Agriculture Reporter

FARMERS should choose the right seed varieties that do well in their regions to maximise on production, experts have said.
Most farmers have begun planting following the rains that have been received in most parts of the country in the past two weeks.
In the past seasons yields have been compromised as farmers have failed to identify seed varieties that are suitable for their areas and in turn fail to produce desired yields.
Pioneer Seeds managing director, Daniel Myers said once a farmer is knowledgeable on the conditions prevailing in their farming regions they would be able to choose the suitable seed varieties.
“It is important that farmers know the rainfall patterns in their areas and soil types so that they can make informed decisions when buying seeds,” Myers said.
“Those in areas that receive less than 600 millilitres (ml) should plant early season varieties that take between 120 and 128 days to mature.
“Those in areas that receive more than 800 ml can plant varieties that take long to mature.”
Farmers in drier regions, Myers said, should opt for drought tolerant crops and if they want to grow maize they should grow early maturity varieties.
Myers called on farmers to take advantage of the rains and speed up the planting process.
“By now farmers have started planting and it is important that by December 1 they should have finished planting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Myers has said farmers contracted by Pioneer Seeds to grow seed maize for the 2014/2015 cropping season had already started planting.
“Contracting farmers to produce seed maize for our company is a yearly thing and this year’s crop has already been planted,” he said.
“Farmers producing seed maize planted in October will continue to do so till the end of November.
“We are happy as seed producers that we have been able to produce adequate seed for the local market and at times we have a surplus.”
In 2008 Zimbabwe produced only 11 000 tonnes, importing 10 000 to close the gap.
However, since 2009 local seed production has been on the upward trend reaching 27 176 tonnes in 2012 from 22 250 tonnes in 2009.
Responding to the surge in seed maize production, Government last year lifted the ban on seed maize exports following clear indications that seed producers could meet local demand.
The government had suspended maize seed exports six years ago after high demand for the product resulted in shortages.
Some seed houses have since started exporting to such countries as Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania.