THE Scientific and Industrial Research Development Centre (Sirdc)
says it will launch five new maize seed varieties under its ambitious
scheme to counter climate-induced food security threats in Zimbabwe.
In an interview with NewsDay Business last week, Sirdc chief executive officer Robson Mafoti said
the new varieties were his organisation’s response to uncertainties
brought about by drought, which have made it imperative for scientists to explore ways of improving
household food security.
He said apart from Zimbabwe, results of the agency’s work would be felt across southern Africa.
“The centre has been continuously researching and developing climate-smart maize seed under
the Sirdamaize brand,” Mafoti said.
“These are 115, 117, 119, 713 and 101 and they will be launched
soon. The varieties are high yielding, drought tolerant and well
adaptable to Zimbabwe agro-ecologies. In addition, the varieties are
tolerant to a wide range of diseases and have low nitrogen requirements,” he added.
“The scope of our agro research
and development extends to traditional grains, indigenous legumes,
cassava, sweet potato, virus-free
Irish potato seed and rice varieties.
As released varieties reach farmers,
agricultural productivity and returns on farms will substantially improve. Such improvements boost
national food security and economic development,” he said.
The Sirdc boss said cumulative
seed supply by the agency to marginal areas exceeded 5 000 tonnes.
“Zimbabwe Technological Solutions, a company that is wholly
owned by Sirdc is producing maize
seed, branded Sirdamaize 113. The
seed has been on the market since
the 2012/13 farming season. Cumulative seed supply to marginal
rainfall areas has exceeded 5 000
tonnes enhancing food security
on over 200 000 hectares. Projected grain output would thus exceed
one million tonnes.
*AgroAlerts* – _for farmers_
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KSyPkdKMn5C49ny4i0MQuV
