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Agriculture Reporter
Seed is now available in shops with farmers being urged to prioritise short-season varieties and drought-tolerant crops that are suitable for their areas. Seed Co managing director Mr Dennis Zaranyika (pictured above)yesterday said farmers should choose the most suitable varieties depending on their agro-ecological regions.

“We are urging farmers to take note of rainfall forecast by the Meteorological Services Department and plant drought-tolerant and early maturing varieties. We know most farmers were affected last season because of the drought but we expect them to recover this year.

“Farmers should plan according to the rainfall forecast. As Seed Co, we have all types of varieties suitable for all regions. We have been widely distributing to both drier regions as well as the normally good rainfall belts,” he said.

Mr Zaranyika urged farmers to have faith on the season and pray for a great agricultural season.

“Farmers should have faith for a good agricultural season and leave the rest to the Lord.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Seed Traders’ Association has assured farmers that there is enough certified small grains seed on the market.

ZTSA chairman Mr Walter Chigodora said most farmers did not buy small grains seed but relied on retained seed.

“Seed companies have always and continued to produce improved, certified small grain seeds. There was demand in the past when these were bought and given as handouts.

“Farmers tend to exchange these products amongst themselves. This has reduced the market for certified seeds. Farmers can buy these products from seed shops. Supermarkets tend not to carry these products as they are slow movers and they take up space needed for fast moving goods. In general, there is little demand for these products,” he said.

Mr Chigodora urged farmers to combine small grains and maize tolerant varieties as this provided a form of insurance against adverse weather conditions.

The Meteorological Services Department said Zimbabwe is likely to receive normal to below normal rainfall during the 2015-16 season.

Government has already released $200 000 towards cloud seeding to aid rainfall activity.