Seed Co Zimbabwe celebrates 85 years of agricultural excellence, expansion
ZIMBABWE – Seed Co Zimbabwe, listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, has proudly reached a historic milestone, celebrating 85 years of unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence.
Seed Co Limited is the leading producer and marketer of certified crop seeds in Zimbabwe, supplying hybrid maize seed to commercial farmers as well as wheat, soya bean, barley, sorghum and ground nut seed.
From its humble beginnings, the company has grown alongside the nation, expanding its footprint across Africa while maintaining a steadfast focus on research, innovation, and farmer support.
Today, Seed Cooperates in 23 African countries, with direct operations in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, South Africa, and several others.
This continued geographical expansion is a testament to the efficacy and reliability of Seed Co’s products. By investing heavily in research and development, the company ensures that its seed varieties remain resilient and adaptable to changing climatic conditions.
In commemoration of its 85th anniversary, Seed Co hosted its Annual Rattray Arnold Research Station (RARS) Field Day on March 5th and 6th, 2025.
The event, held under the theme “Keep Growing,” highlighted the company’s contributions to food security, economic development, and climate resilience—key priorities under Zimbabwe’s Agriculture, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).
The event attracted over 2,000 farmers from across Zimbabwe, providing a platform to showcase the latest high-yield seed varieties and offer expert agronomic advice.
The Permanent Secretary, Professor O. Jiri, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of food security and the role of innovative agricultural practices in achieving this goal.
“The transformation of agriculture is central to Vision 2030. Seed Co’s research into climate-smart, high-yielding crops aligns with government efforts to build a resilient, food-secure Zimbabwe,” he noted.
The Field Day also served as an opportunity for farmers to engage directly with Seed Co’s research and development teams, gaining insights into advanced farming techniques and sustainable practices. This interaction underscores Seed Co’s commitment to empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to maximize their yields and contribute to national food security.
Its research has yielded 124 maize hybrids, including varieties with shorter maturity cycles and improved drought tolerance. Additionally, 45 soybean, 25 wheat, and multiple sorghum, groundnut, and sunflower varieties have been introduced to support diverse farming systems.
Financially, the company continues to show resilience and growth. Seed Co’s half-year revenue has seen a significant increase, reflecting strong demand for its products despite economic challenges.
First-half revenue rose 28% driven by winter sales and strong early maize sales as well as debut commercial trading in Ethiopia. Volume gains were achieved in Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia.
This solid performance enables further investment in research, infrastructure, and expansion initiatives, reinforcing Seed Co’s long-term vision of supporting food security across the continent.
As Seed Co Zimbabwe looks ahead, it remains dedicated to upholding the core values that have defined its legacy, innovation, integrity, and a farmer-first approach.
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