The Zambia Seed Company (ZAMSEED) demonstrated during their recently held 2-day Farm Field Day at their research farm that all their hybrid variety of seeds performed well even during the harsh El Nino weather.
Zamseed had on display various seed varieties that were planted at their Ngwerere Research Farm showcasing how they behaved when they received normal rainwater season and during the recent dry weather caused by El nino.
Also on display were the new ZAMSEED new generation of hybrid seeds to be launched in the coming farming season.
The demonstration proved that Zamseed hybrid seeds still performed well during dry El nino season be they early maturing seeds or late maturing seeds in the 500 or 600 series.
“If one planted any of our seeds, there would have harvested enough crop so as not be affected by this drought,” says Zamseed’s Director of Research, Bhola Verma.
Dr. Verma says the high yielding Zamseed varieties would easily offset food shortages in Zambia as they performed as expected during normal seasons and during dry conditions as seen this year.
Zamseed research farm has over the years developed a variety of seed hybrids that not only are drought and disease resistance but give value for money to the farmers that plant them.
In attendance at the 2-day farm field day were various commercial farmers and small-scale farmers, agribusiness and civil society working with farmers and agribusinesses.
Among the latest Zamseed varieties of seeds included the yellow and orange maize seed that is packed with vitamin A and carotin which could be used to add nutrients to families and could also be good as stock feed for animals and chickens.
Zamseed urged for collaboration between nutritionists, farmers and researchers so the right type of seeds are planted for the country to be food sufficient.
