Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe government on Thursday launched two new climate-resilient wheat varieties, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, engineered by local hybrid seed production company to withstand extreme weather and significantly boost production.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Obert Jiri said the launch of the varieties, produced by Valley Seeds, marks a key step in efforts to boost food security and assist farmers cope with climate change.
The varieties are expected to yield between 7-8 tons per hectare and mature quickly, allowing farmers to harvest before the rains.
Jiri said the launch aligns with the country’s agricultural development goals, aiming to increase wheat production and reduce imports.
He highlighted that continued innovation in seed development is central to the country’s efforts to increase productivity.
“The base of all cropping is the good genetics, the good breeds that we must have,” he said, adding that the new varieties are a result of sustained research and commitment by Zimbabwean breeders.
“Their work ensures that farmers have access to improved seeds that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change while delivering better yields,” he said, adding that the launch of Limpopo and Zambezi varieties is not only a scientific milestone, but also a practical boost for farmers.
“These new seeds are expected to strengthen food security by providing more reliable harvests and by enhancing the resilience of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector against erratic weather conditions. Such advancements are particularly vital as the country continues to adapt its farming systems to meet both national and regional food needs,” Jiri said.
He commended the critical role breeders are playing in sustaining agricultural growth, noting that such developments align with the ministry’s vision of transforming agriculture into a productive, modernized sector.
“Our breeders continue to really produce and give us new genetics to enhance our cropping. We commend them for their dedication to developing climate-smart solutions that align with the ministry’s vision of transforming agriculture into a productive, modernized sector,” he said.
The country is projected to set a new wheat production record for the 2025 season, with farmers cultivating over 122 00 hectares to meet an increased target of 600,000 metric tons.
Zimbabwe has seen a significant increase in wheat production, more than doubling its output since 2019 and achieving self-sufficiency in 2023 by producing 468 000 tons.
The 2024 season yielded 555 824 metric tons, reaching 92 percent of its target, and the government is supporting increased yields through strategies like contract farming and adoption of new wheat varieties such as the SAVE, which is resilient to different climates and can be grown in summer and winter.
New Ziana
