The Sunday News
Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
Farmers have been urged to desist from buying uncertified seeds which have been attributed to low yields as they have poor germination rate, an official has said.
In an interview with Sunday News, Seed Co Southern Region Manager Mr Charles Munyoro said farmers should not buy seeds from the streets and from uncertified dealers.
“There has been a high influx of fake seeds in the market which are being sold by some unscrupulous individuals. These fake seeds usually result in low yields most of the time. Most fake seeds have a poor germination rate and by buying such seeds, farmers risk making losses. As farmers prepare for winter farming season, we urge them to desist from buying seeds from unregistered and uncertified dealers. There are a lot of registered seed processors in the country and farmers are encouraged to make use of them,” he said
He said local seed processors also provide technical assistance to farmers.
“Zimbabwe is capable of producing more than enough food if we work together, and if farmers are capacitated. If we use good inputs, then we are guaranteed of a good output, so that we can feed ourselves and export to other counties. Actually we shouldn’t be importing grain from other countries because our farmers are capable of producing the requirements food for the country. As seed manufactures, we do not only sell seeds to farmers, we also provide any technical assistance to farmers any time they need it. That way, we able to ensure good harvest” he said.
Mr Munyoro said registered seed processors like Seed Co always produce good harvest, as evidenced by the Command Agriculture programme.
Last year, over 50 farmers entered Seed Co’s Eleven Tonne Plus Club Promotion, which saw all farmers achieving between 11 and 22 tonnes of grain per hectare. @sukusinini.
