Stapleford, Zimbabwe – If you wanted to feel the pulse of Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, the place to be was the Seedco Vegetables Trials Station in Stapleford this past Friday. The air was electric as farmers, agronomists, and some of the biggest names in the industry gathered for Seedco’s highly anticipated Annual Field Day. The event was less of a formal conference and more of a bustling hub for sharing groundbreaking ideas, showcasing the latest in vegetable varieties, and sparking real conversations between those who grow our food and the experts dedicated to helping them succeed.
From the moment you walked in, you could feel the energy. Seedco’s team, from their seasoned agronomists to their senior leadership, were right there in the mix, talking with attendees and clearly united in their goal: to give farmers the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. The demonstration plots were a hive of activity, with farmers keenly observing how new and trusted varieties were performing under local conditions. It was a powerful, living testament to Seedco’s deep commitment to on-the-ground research and development that actually works for the region.
What’s New in the Fields?
One of the day’s biggest draws was the unveiling of several new “blockbuster” varieties—a clear sign that Seedco is not just keeping up but is actively shaping the future of farming. The company pulled the curtain back on a strategic collection of high-demand crops, including tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and cucumbers, designed to give farmers a more diversified and resilient playbook for the seasons ahead.
Company experts led hands-on sessions, offering practical, no-nonsense advice on how to choose the best varieties and manage them for success.
A Closer Look at Tomatoes and Cucumbers
The breakout sessions took a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of tomato and cucumber farming, focusing on the critical decision of matching the right variety to the right farming setup.
Here’s a quick rundown of what stood out in one of the sections: visit https://seedcogroup.com/zw/vegetables/ for a wide range of SeedCo varieties on offer.
- Tomatoes (Indeterminate Varieties): For farmers with greenhouses, the message was clear: indeterminate, or vining, tomatoes are a game-changer. With a harvest period that can stretch for 5-6 months, they offer a consistent supply for the market, turning a seasonal crop into a year-round revenue stream.
- Cucumbers:
- The Dreamliner remains a trusted favorite. It’s a dark green, 33-35 cm cucumber that’s perfect for summer planting, ensuring farmers can supply the market when others can’t.
- For those with an eye on markets that prefer longer cucumbers, the Gilon F1 is a strong contender, performing especially well in cooler conditions.
- The real buzz, however, was around the new Randal variety. At 33-39 cm, it’s not just its size that’s impressive. Its wide disease tolerance, especially against the dreaded Downy Mildew, was met with a wave of enthusiasm. It’s a variety that promises not just high yields, but also peace of mind.
More Than Just Seeds: The Foundation of a Great Harvest
But as any good farmer knows, a great harvest is about more than just great seeds. The field day placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of solid agronomic practices. Seedco’s agronomists shared their expertise on everything from optimizing soil health to smart nutrient management and integrated pest control.
"Success in farming isn’t just about the seed you plant; it’s about the ecosystem you create for it to thrive," one of the agronomists shared. "Proper soil preparation and a balanced fertility program are the cornerstones of a productive harvest."
These weren’t just abstract lectures. The discussions got into the practical details of using fertility trenches, applying the right mix of compound fertilizers, lime, and gypsum, and the value of getting expert advice. Seedco made a point to highlight its ongoing support for farmers, including its partnerships with organizations like Total Farm Solutions, to provide tailored agronomic plans.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was another hot topic. The experts advised a multi-pronged approach to tackling common headaches like aphids, red spider mites, and whiteflies. The consensus was clear: the most sustainable and effective defense comes from a smart combination of cultural practices, like using neem oil, and the careful use of recommended chemical controls when needed.
A Partnership for the Future
By the end of the day, it was obvious that the Seedco Vegetables Annual Field Day was more than just a product showcase. It was a powerful demonstration of what partnership in agriculture looks like. By bringing together farmers, experts, and industry leaders, Seedco solidified its role as a key player in the agricultural community, one that is deeply invested in fostering growth and resilience from the ground up.
The message that echoed as the day wound down was one of empowerment: with the right seed, the right knowledge, and the right support, Zimbabwe’s farmers are in a strong position to meet the demands of the market and cultivate a more prosperous and food-secure future for everyone.