Story by Online Reporter
IN a move poised to reshape Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, Valley Seeds, one of the country’s largest and most trusted seed breeders, has entered a five-year international partnership with a leading global seed technology company.
The agreement will enable Valley Seeds to expand its portfolio of high-quality maize, wheat, and other crop seeds while reinforcing its position as a pioneer in modern agricultural practices.
The partnership provides Valley Seeds with access to advanced international seed varieties, offering Zimbabwean farmers solutions tailored to local climates, soil conditions, and productivity requirements. By combining global innovation with decades of local agricultural knowledge, the company is ensuring that farmers are equipped with seeds designed to maximise yields and strengthen food security.
“By integrating international expertise with our local capabilities, we are able to provide farmers with the highest quality seeds that meet global standards while remaining optimised for Zimbabwean conditions,” said Managing Director Aluis Chareka.
“This partnership is not just about technology; it is about empowering farmers, supporting sustainable agriculture, and contributing to national food security.”
Valley Seeds produces a wide range of maize hybrids, which have long been trusted by farmers across the country. The new agreement allows the company to licence additional high-performance varieties, ensuring a broader range of options for farmers and enhancing the nation’s ability to produce diverse, resilient crops.
The company has also made significant investments in infrastructure to complement the partnership. These include a capital-intensive seed preservation hub in Juru, designed to safeguard seed quality, and a state-of-the-art facility in Ruwa, focusing on climate-resilient small grains. Beyond seeds, Valley Seeds is expanding its contribution to agriculture by developing a stock feed manufacturing plant and increasing vegetable seed production to support the country’s horticultural sector.
Commercial Director Tich Mapongah emphasised that the company’s strategy goes beyond commercial success. “We are leveraging over 30 years of climate and topography data to ensure every seed we produce is suited to Zimbabwean conditions,” he said. “Our goal is to strengthen the agricultural sector, provide farmers with reliable solutions, and contribute to long-term national food security.”
The partnership also supports crop diversification, a key element of Zimbabwe’s agricultural strategy. Valley Seeds has introduced new wheat varieties, including Limpopo and Zambezi, and continues to develop traditional grains such as sorghum, African pea, and millet, alongside cotton production through its subsidiary Southern Cotton Private Limited. These initiatives align with broader national objectives to promote rural industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable economic growth.
Analysts say the agreement positions Valley Seeds as a model for combining local expertise with global innovation. By adopting international best practices while adapting to Zimbabwe’s unique agricultural environment, the company is setting a benchmark for other agribusinesses in the country.
“With favourable weather conditions, strengthened infrastructure, and access to international seed technology, Valley Seeds is well-placed to play a pivotal role in boosting crop production this season,” Chareka added. “
This partnership demonstrates what is possible when local knowledge meets global science, and it underscores the potential for Zimbabwean agriculture to achieve both sustainability and resilience in the years ahead.”
