GLOBAL seed giants Klein Karoo Seed Production and Syngenta are looking to position Zimbabwe as a premier seed production hub, leveraging the country’s suitable climatic conditions and unique “shoulder season” window to supply global markets.
In seed farming, the “shoulder season” refers to the transition periods between the peak growing season and winter — specifically, early spring and late autumn.
These times are characterised by cooler temperatures and variable weather, requiring specialised, cold-tolerant, or fast-growing seeds to extend production.
Klein Karoo Seed Production is a premier South African-based company specialising in the contract production, cleaning, and export of high-quality vegetable, forage, pasture, and agronomy seeds.
Syngenta is a leading global agricultural technology company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, specialising in crop protection (pesticides, herbicides), seeds, and digital farming solutions.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri hosted officials from KKSP and Syngenta last week.
The companies are looking to consolidate their operations in Zimbabwe’s seed industry, encouraged by the domestic market’s immense agronomic potential.
Klein Karoo Seed Marketing (often branded as K2) produces and sells seed in Zimbabwe for the domestic market.
It produces and supplies a wide range of seeds specifically adapted for the local climate, including maize, pastures, pulses, small grains, cotton and vegetables.
Syngenta in Zimbabwe focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity through the supply of high-quality, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant hybrid vegetable seeds, crop protection chemicals (including fungicides and insecticides for tobacco and tomatoes), and agricultural research.
Discussions centred on the possibility of positioning Zimbabwe as the primary source of global seed supply, leveraging its favourable climate and unique shorter season window to supply global markets during critical periods when other regions are out of season.
Prof Jiri underscored Zimbabwe’s natural and structural advantages, stating that: “You need not worry about the climate; Zimbabwe possesses the finest environment for the production of any crop you desire.
“We are already witnessing a boom in the blueberry industry as a direct result of our superior climate, which yields exceptional quality and size.
“Our unique conditions allow us to enter global markets earlier and stay later than most competitors, providing us with a significant ‘shorter season’ advantage.”
Beyond its favourable climate, Prof Jiri said Zimbabwe also boasts one of the most robust seed systems in Africa, providing a solid foundation for increased agricultural investments.
“You are certainly in the right place,”he added.
A key highlight of the discussions was the potential for the global seed industry leaders to support Zimbabwe’s Rural Development 8.0 initiatives.
The Ministry’s Village Business Units (VBUs), which have already established over 1 400 operational ventures, stand to benefit from access to high-quality vegetable genetics and advanced technical expertise.
By exploring local production of specialised seeds for alliums, carrots and brassicas, Zimbabwe seeks to spur rural industrialisation, ensuring that every village horticultural business unit is equipped with the best inputs to boost productivity and household income.
Prof Jiri’s meeting with the seed companies also took a global perspective, noting growing inquiries for Zimbabwean produce from the Middle East and beyond.
As the ministry evaluates the technical requirements for such a partnership, it is keen to support investors who recognise Zimbabwe’s strategic value.
This visit underscores the national goal of moving from a net importer to a leading exporter of high-value horticultural products, reinforcing the immense confidence global stakeholders have in Zimbabwe’s agricultural future.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is undergoing significant transformation, including through initiatives to enhance domestic seed production, to ensure farmers have easy access to high-quality and affordable seed varieties.
Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, crucial for livelihoods, food security, and exports, employing 60-70 percent of the population and supplying most raw materials to industries, contributing 11-15 percent to Gross Domestic Product.-herald
