Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Strategic partnerships between the government and private sector players are essential for transforming agriculture from subsistence to a competitive, export-oriented industry, a senior government official has said.
Permanent secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said this on Thursday after meeting a delegation from global seed industry leaders Klein Karoo Seed Production (KKSP) and Syngenta.
The two companies have identified Zimbabwe as a strategic hub for large-scale seed production, citing the favourable climate, strong seed systems and unique production windows that allow access to global markets during critical supply gaps.
The meeting was also aimed at exploring investment opportunities that would position Zimbabwe as a primary country of origin for global seed supply.
“Partnerships are critical in agriculture because they allow us to combine global innovation with local knowledge. When we work with industry leaders, we accelerate technology transfer, strengthen value chains and create sustainable markets for our farmers,” he said.
“The discussions focused on leveraging Zimbabwe’s world-class agro-ecological conditions, particularly its distinctive “shoulder season” advantage, which enables seed and horticultural production when competing regions are out of season,” hadded.
Prof Jiri said the country`s climate and institutional capacity provided an unmatched platform for seed production across a wide range of crops.
“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 shoulder-season advantage.
“Beyond climate, Zimbabwe also boasts one of the most robust seed systems in Africa, giving investors a solid foundation for success. You are certainly in the right place,” he said.
The engagement also explored how partnerships with global seed companies could support the Rural Development 8.0 thrust, particularly through the Village Business Unit (VBU) model, which has already established more than 1 400 operational units nationwide.
Through potential local production of specialised vegetable seeds including alliums, carrots and brassicas, the collaboration could enhance access to high-quality genetics and advanced agronomic expertise at village level, strengthening rural industrialisation, improving productivity, and raising household incomes within horticulture-focused communities.
Beyond domestic impact, Prof Jiri said the meeting noted growing international demand for the country`s horticultural produce, particularly from the Middle East and other emerging markets.
He added that the Ministry’s Directorate of Research is currently assessing technical requirements to guide the next stages of engagement.
Prof Jiri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a conducive investment environment, including policy support and institutional coordination, to ensure a smooth entry for strategic investors.
The visit marks a significant step in a broader objective of transitioning from a net importer to a leading exporter of high-value horticultural and seed products, underscoring growing global confidence in the country’s agricultural potential and long-term vision.
New Ziana
