by Tawanda Chigwaza, The Herald via allAfrica.com

Zimbabwe's largest seed producing firm, Seed Co Limited, will next year fully utilise its capacity to produce 30 000 tonnes of seed maize, says chief executive Mr Dennis Zaranyika.

Last year the company produced 14 000 tonnes of maize seed.

The CEO was speaking during a field tour of Rattray Arnold Research Station and Frascati Seed Production farm in Mashonaland East Province.

Both entities are owned by Seed Co; which is currently producing 20 000 tonnes of seed maize, is now in a strong position to produce more following the release of additional land by Government to expand its operations.

"Seed Co will introduce two soyabean and wheat seed varieties per season while three varieties of maize seed will also be introduced," said Mr Zaranyika.

He also said the company would keep abreast of international trends with respect to maize, wheat and soyabean varieties.

Access to seed is critical to agriculture. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy accounting for more than 30 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

Over the past 65 years Seed Co has released 30 hybrid maize varieties, 16 wheat and soyabean varieties including the newly introduced SC Shine varieties.

Mr Zaranyika said by doubling its production capacity, Zimbabwe would cut its seed imports as the country would be able to meet local market.

"Relevant authorities should fully support seed growers with funds and inputs so as to incentivise seed output," said Mr Zaranyika.

Seed Co has so far released 2 000 tonnes of maize seed onto the market, marginally less than its target.

The company attributed this below-par performance to logistical problems in the delivery of maize being experienced by growers, as well as chemical shortages.

Seed Co grows various seed varieties in conjunction with farmers contracted specially for this purpose.

The farmers go through a rigorous three-year hands-on training course before they graduate.

The company was looking at expanding the contract farmer base as part of its efforts to meet demand.

Seed Co has branches in Botswana, Zambia and Kenya and has in recent years expanded its product line to include soyabeans, sorghum, beans, millet and cow-peas.

The company will soon venture into the production of cotton seed, after acquiring Quton from the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe.