HARARE, Apr. 2 (NewsDay Live) - Africa's leading seed production and distribution company, Seed Co, recently celebrated its 85th anniversary, marking a milestone in its journey of growth, innovation, and commitment to improving agricultural productivity in the region.
Seed Co Group chief executive officer Morgan Nzwere reflected on the company’s impressive history, which began in 1940 with a singular vision to provide high-quality seeds tailored to meet the needs of Zimbabwean farmers.
Over the decades, Seed Co has evolved, establishing itself as a pioneer in seed breeding technologies and achieving a series of significant industry firsts.
“Today, we don’t just mark an anniversary; we honour a legacy of agricultural excellence and a future that continues to flourish,” Nzwere said.
“I take great pride in the fact that the products we produce help feed nations thus safeguarding peace and improve the quality of our lives and are the source of the various raw materials that power our agro-economies.”
Among the notable achievements, Seed Co produced the world’s first single-cross hybrid maize seed, SR 52, in 1952 and was the first company in Africa to market maize hybrid seeds in small packaging, catering to small-scale farmers.
Nzwere outlined the company’s strategic expansion beyond Zimbabwe, highlighting regional operations established in countries including Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and beyond.
With a commitment to accessibility, Seed Co has made significant investments in research and development, ensuring its seed varieties continue to meet the evolving needs of farmers across Africa.
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The partnership with Limagrain, a major global seed company, has bolstered Seed Co’s capabilities, allowing researchers access to advanced breeding technologies and diverse germplasm.
“That partnership has enabled our scientists to access modern breeding and testing platforms as well as access to diverse germplasm which has greatly strengthened our research effort,” Nzwere said.
“Over the last few years, we have seen quite a few global seed companies eying Africa.
“The fact that we went into partnership with Limagrain in 2014 is strong testament to our being forward looking and ahead of the pack, which has created very important first mover advantages for both us and Limagrain.”
As Seed Co continues to reinvest in innovation, the company is also expanding its product line to include various crops, including wheat, soybeans and vegetables, contributing to comprehensive food security efforts on the continent.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and climate-smart solutions, emphasising that growth never stops at Seed Co.
The seed producer’s anniversary celebration not only commemorates its rich history, but also sets the stage for future growth and a steadfast commitment to nurturing Africa’s agricultural sector.
Seed Co Zimbabwe managing director Felistas Ndawi Gurajena expressed gratitude to the hard work by the staff and its partners.
“To all our strategic partners, thank you for walking with us to extend our reach and deepen our impact,” she said.
“To our board members, we honour your guidance and leadership and to our incredible staff, past and present your passion and hard work have carried us through decades of both challenge and success.”
