History

Since 1940, Seed Co Ltd has been actively involved with the production of quality seeds for Zimbabwean farmers. Under the guidance of the Chief Agriculturalist in the department of Agriculture, Mr. D. E. McLoughlin, a group of far-sighted farmers recognised the need for a consistent supply of quality seed to ensure reliable production of maize. This crop, which was fast becoming the staple food of the country, needed to become well organised and regulated. Under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. Dennis, these initial farmer members of the Seed Maize Association pooled their resources and ideas to establish a secure source of quality, certified seed maize.

Research into the development of hybrid maize seed under the government breeder, Mr. Harry Arnold, had already begun in 1932. Mr. Alan Rattray soon joined him, and the first open pollinated variety named Salisbury White was developed for commercial use with the seed production being undertaken by the SMA. The first maize hybrids were created for sale as early as 1949. It was in 1960 that these two dedicated breeders released the world’s first commercially produced single-cross white maize hybrid – SR52.

Meanwhile, other farmers had started seed production of crops like sorghum, groundnuts, sunflowers, oats and wheat. They formed their own Crop Seeds Association in 1957, with ‘CG’ Tracey being the first chairman.

Both associations were undertaking similar work in their respective areas of interest, but considerable duplication of effort was noted. Amalgamation of the two associations in 1983, resulted in the formation of the Seed Co-operative Company of Zimbabwe which consolidated activities of both associations. Consolidation of administration, planning, production, processing and distribution of all seeds was much more efficient with this new organisation.

As the seasons passed these co-operative members continued to produce quality, certified seeds, mainly for the local market, but did enjoy some export opportunities. Growth continued to a point where buildings, conditioning equipment and other resources in the Harare industrial sites were beginning to outgrow the Seed Co-op and relocation was planned in the late 1980’s. The whole business, except research, was moved to new premises at a 10-hectare site, at Stapleford, just north of the capital, in 1991. Only the world-renowned Rattray Arnold Research Station remained in the Enterprise district. Still further growth of the business required new planning to meet future development and regional expansion that was becoming extremely viable.

At a landmark meeting in May 1996, the Seed Co-op members agreed to a public flotation of the organisation which lead to the raising of Z$45 million in new shares, and the quoting of Seed Co Ltd. on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange in July of the same year.

Flotation funding was used to increase seed conditioning capacity and small packing, create an Export Division, the establishment of an Export Processing Zone as well as the purchase of another research station at Kadoma. As at February 2003 year end, Seed Co Ltd. group turnover reached Z$11,7 billion with attributable profit to shareholders amounting to Z$3.0 billion.

Research has been the backbone of Seed Co development. Originally, all breeding was done by government, but in 1970, the then Seed Maize Association members decided to purchase the Rattray Arnold Research Station to provide an extended breeding site for government and to commence breeding programmes themselves. Currently, Seed Co has breeding programmes in maize, soyabeans, wheat, beans and groundnuts. Screening of other crops to establish local adaptability is also done.

Four critical research aspects are constantly being evaluated. New varieties, better than currently available seed products are constantly being assessed, in terms of yield, quality, disease tolerance and agro-ecological adaptability. These criteria are paramount, and breeding methods are carefully planned with specific breeding goals established. It can take up to twelve years for a new maize hybrid to be released, from when the initial breeding project is started, to having product on the shelf, for sale.

Through effective breeding Seed Co are regional leaders in addressing the devastating maize disease Grey Leaf Spot with hybrids such as SC709, SC625, SC627 and SC513 which have some of the highest GLS tolerance ratings for any maize hybrids in Africa. Seed Co hybrids, with tolerance to Maize Streak and Mottle Virus were introduced in the early 1980’s, and remain market leaders in this field with products like SC627, SC621, SC403 and SC407 which are in a class of their own in the region. Both diseases may cause yield losses of up to 75% in susceptible hybrids.

Furthermore, Soyabean breeding has virtually eliminated Red Leaf Blotch and Frogeye diseases that can severely reduce grain yields, if allowed to develop on susceptible varieties. Currently, the breeders are meeting the challenge of Rust in soyabeans, where tolerant genetic materials have been identified. It is expected that within five years, farmers will be able to plant crops with high levels of tolerance to Rust, resulting in farmers not needing to spray for this disease. Yet another tangible benefit from the Seed Co breeders.

Wheat breeding resulted in the recent release of a commercial hard, red wheat variety, Scarlet, that enabled local production of quality, premium wheat for millers which they now blend with the soft Spring wheats, normally grown locally, in winter. Yield increases with regular introduction of new varieties over the past several years have improved farmer viability in this particular crop that requires expensive irrigation throughout the winter growing period. The wheat breeder continues also aims at developing varieties with improved baking qualities which result in enhanced value of local wheat in the hands of the baking industry.

A new, short season groundnut variety, Nyanda, was released last year, with good yield potential, drought tolerance, and having excellent marketing options. Work on disease resistance to Rosette Virus is looking very promising, and will address an important current production hazard in the small-scale farming sector.

Kadoma Research Centre, Seed Co’s second research facility was purchased in 1996, providing an invaluable site for the evaluation of varieties needed in the small holder farming sector. Having both red and sandy soil types, this station is highly versatile and being in Region III, it emulates the stress conditions experienced by many of the communal farmers in this country. Additional research work is done in South Africa and Mozambique all of which is supported by extensive trial programmes throughout the continent.

Despite having restructured Seed Co-op to become Seed Co Ltd., the two Seed Associations continue to provide a wealth of experience and knowledge in seed production. Having government-approved inspectors within the company, these seed growers only need to be monitored with their production as they have been multiplying parent and commercial seed for many years, being fully aware of the stringent government and international standards required for the approval of certified seeds.

ISO 9001 accreditation was achieved by Seed Co in 1999 thereby meeting international standards of management organisation that enhances export customer assurances of a well organised business.

Four years ago, Seed Co embarked on a comprehensive distribution strategy, whereby they out-sourced warehouse facilities at nine strategic locations in Zimbabwe, where Traders can buy their full spectrum of seed requirements at the same price as in Harare. Pack sizes range from 25kg right down to 1kg packs, catering for all farmer needs.

Promotion of Seed Co products is extensively done through a regional and national demonstration and field day programmes, reaching into remote parts of the country. In addition, both research stations run a week each, of field days to which a wide selection of interested parties are invited to attend. These events bring new products to farmers’ attention that greatly assists Traders in making sales of a technical product that requires considerable knowledge.

In-store promotion is extensively supported with posters, bunting, booklets and literature all designed to assist the farmer in making the correct decision about which seeds to plant. In addition, Seed Co sponsors a large range of farmers competitions to encourage the identification and adoption of superior farming methods.

With over 60 years of farmer support, Seed Co continues to strive to provide farmers with improved products that will increase productivity to enable greater food self-sufficiency. This goal is both local and regional and is embraced in the promotional theme "The African Seed Company ".