Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Seed companies have enough short and medium season varieties for the upcoming season which they have started moving to farming areas. The suppliers have distributed maize, small grains and cotton seed to agro dealers countrywide.

Zimbabwe Seed Traders Association chairman Mr Walter Chigodora said seed distribution began in March at auction floors and in cotton growing areas from April and that they have been selling in other areas since July.

“Among the various seed companies, there are certified seeds for sorghum, millet, beans, soyabeans, cow peas and groundnuts and farmers are advised to buy these seeds from the farmer shops. It is unlikely such seeds will be found in supermarkets,” said Mr Chigodora.

Mr Chigodora advised farmers to plant more than one seed maize variety, and to plant both with the first rains to provide some “insurance’’ against a poor or moderate rainy season.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast normal to below normal rainfall this season, which is expected to start in December and end in February.