Arda introduces new drought tolerant seed maize

04 May, 2014 - 00:05 0 Views
Arda introduces new drought tolerant seed maize

The Sunday News

Farm2Ngonidzashe Chiutsi Agriculture Correspondent
THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) has introduced new drought tolerant seed maize varieties suitable for dry regions like Matabeleland, the parastatal’s agronomist Mr Jimmy Mukiwa has said.In an interview with Sunday Business last week, Mr Mukiwa said the new maize varieties were set to hit the market in the 2014/2015 season and were adaptable to the new climatic changes.

“We have introduced new varieties that are coming on the market this farming season, that is, 2014/2015 season. These new seeds are drought tolerant varieties and can adapt to the new climate changes,” said Mr Mukiwa.

“We have ZF263 which takes 120 days to mature and which is targeted for the low and drier areas like in Matabeleland and Masvingo. It has a potential yield of nine tonnes per hectare,” said Mr Mukiwa.

“We have ZF265 which is a medium maturing variety and takes about 130 days to mature. This variety is mainly for higher potential areas like Mashonaland Central. It has a potential yield of 12 tonnes per hectare,” said Mr Mukiwa.

The Arda agronomist said the new drought tolerant varieties could be the solution to the perennial droughts affecting most farmers as they could withstand drought for long periods.

“With these new hybrid drought tolerant varieties a farmer can get something even when there are long drought periods,” he added.
It has been reported that climate change had affected farming seasons and led to consecutive droughts.

Agriculture experts say the only solution to the recurrent droughts the country has faced in the past was for Government to seriously invest in irrigation infrastructure.

Arda has also different seeds varieties such as groundnuts, sorghum, soyabeans, cowpeas and wheat.

Farmers said they would welcome any seed varieties that will give them maximum yields and adapt to the prevailing climatic conditions.
They noted that with continuous changes in weather patterns there was a need for more research to come up with seed varieties that would suit different areas across the country.

“As farmers we need seeds that suit the weather patterns in Zimbabwe because we are not sure what to expect. We have seen areas experiencing different weather patterns over the years,” said Mrs Loice Moyo who was among exhibitors at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo two weeks ago.

 

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