Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
A NEWLY introduced seed variety, scientifically proven to be resistant to disease and destructive pests like bollworm and fall armyworm, is steadily gaining traction on the market.
As its adoption grows in Manicaland, this innovative seed maize is poised to significantly bolster livelihoods and the agricultural industry in the province.
Bollworm is a larvae of certain moth species, target the fruiting bodies of crops like maize and cotton, causing substantial damage.
Another significant pest, the fall armyworm is a moth whose larvae feed on maize and other crops, inflicting harm on the plants. As a major threat to food security, fall armyworm can have a devastating impact on smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.
The seed maize is a medium-maturity variety that takes between 120 and 135 days to mature, with a potential yield of 13 to 15 metric tonnes per hectare.
Its plant population per hectare is around 65 000, meaning it can withstand the pressure of a high-density population per hectare, which is normally around 50 000 plants per hectare.
Its disease package is comprehensive, resisting all major diseases, including maize streak virus, Stewart’s bacterial wilt (SMART), leaf rot, and grey leaf spot. Additionally, the seed is resistant to lodging, and also exhibits resistance to fall armyworm and bollworm.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka recently came face-to-face with health and clean ZMS623 maize crop – at Tiny Farm in Nyazura, a joint venture between Mr Fungai Makoni and Messrs Joseph Mujati and Mandeya, whose success demonstrates the potential for similar commercial deals to spur agricultural growth and improve food security in the country.
The farm has 280 hectares of maize at tussling stage.
“This maize crop is clean and good by any standard, and the agronomy team here estimates yields of over 10 tonnes per hectare. If all goes well, the crop will be bountiful, and this is what we want to see more farmers replicating, making farming a viable business.
“President Mnangagwa’s initiative to provide title deeds to farmers will undoubtedly enhance investment in land and pave way for a prosperous agricultural future,” said Minister Masuka.
Mr Makoni said it was their second year growing the seed variety resistant to pests and diseases as it offers them numerous advantages.
“This is our second year, and one of the most significant benefits is the reduction in crop losses, which can be substantial when pests and diseases strike. By planting this resistant variety, we can minimise the damage caused by these threats, resulting in higher yields and improved food security.
This, in turn, lead to increased incomes and better livelihoods for farmers and their families,” he said.
Regional agronomist for Intaba Trading, a distributor of the seed which is produced in Zambia, Mr Ronnie Charehwa said another advantage of growing resistant seed varieties is the reduced need for pesticides and other chemicals.
“This does not only saves farmers’ money on input costs, but also helps to protect the environment and human health.
“Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air, and have been linked to various health problems, and by growing such seed varieties, farmers can reduce their reliance on these chemicals and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
“In addition to these benefits, growing resistant seed varieties can also help farmers to reduce labour costs and improve their overall efficiency.
“When crops are damaged by pests and diseases, farmers often need to spend more time and effort managing the problem, which can be labour-intensive and costly. By planting resistant seed varieties, farmers can minimise the need for these additional labour inputs, freeing up time and resources for other important tasks. This seed variety can be a game-changer for farmers, helping them to improve yields, reduce costs, and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
“The seed is treated with Fortenza Duo, and the farmers are guaranteed effective control of armyworms for four weeks from emergence — then a single spray of synthetic chemicals, if necessary. The seed requires good agronomic practices, including adequate fertilisation, weed and pest control,” he said.
