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Seed Co, Zimbabwe’s leading certified seed producer, marked its 85th anniversary with a high-profile launch event that celebrated its contributions to agriculture, industrialization, and national economic growth.
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Dr. Thomas Utete Wushe, highlighted Seed Co’s role in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrial and agricultural value chains.
“Seed Co is not just a seed company it is a key enabler of economic transformation,” said Dr. Wushe. “By ensuring a steady supply of high-quality inputs, it strengthens industries that rely on agriculture, from food processing to manufacturing.”
The event took place as Zimbabwe intensifies it’s efforts to achieve it’s Vision 2030 goals through the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), which prioritizes industrial growth. With the government’s focus on increasing value addition in agriculture, Seed Co’s efforts align with national objectives to reduce import dependence and enhance food security.
Dr. Wushe underscored the company’s role in rural development, saying, “Seed Co’s investment in smallholder farmers, through training, financial support, and irrigation infrastructure, is a model for sustainable rural industrialization. This approach is not just about business, it’s about nation-building.”
In addition to its agricultural contributions, Seed Co plays a critical part in Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has prioritized ten key value chains under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025), with six being agro-based. Seed Co’s impact on sectors such as dairy, cotton, and soya production has strengthened manufacturing and created jobs across multiple industries.
“Industrialization cannot happen without reliable raw materials, and agriculture supplies 60% of what the manufacturing sector needs,” he said. “Seed Co’s innovations directly support our country’s industrial drive.”
With climate change posing significant risks to food production, the company has been encouraged to intensify research into climate-smart agriculture.
“I urge Seed Co to expand its efforts in developing drought-resistant and climate-adaptive seed varieties,” said Dr. Wushe . “This will safeguard our farmers and secure Zimbabwe’s food supply.”
Looking ahead, Seed Co remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic resilience. As the country prepares for the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in April 2025, stakeholders recognize that Seed Co’s 85-year journey is a story of innovation, perseverance, and strategic impact on Zimbabwe’s future.
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