SEEDCO urges early seed buying as shadow councillor boosts Ward 23 farmers

Insiza North, Shangani – Farmers in Ward 23 gathered in large numbers on Monday for a SEEDCO and Agritex Variety Evaluation Field Day at Mr and Mrs Tinos Makombe’s Plot 37 in Black Waters, where agricultural experts urged communities to embrace early seed purchasing and climate‑smart farming methods.


The event, organised by ABAO Ward 23 Agritex Officer Makhosi Xaba, attracted farmers from across the area eager to learn about crop performance, seed varieties and modern farming techniques ahead of the coming season.

Guest of honour Larry Shamba, a SEEDCO agronomist from Harare, led discussions on Participatory Variety Selection and encouraged farmers to diversify crops and secure certified seed early.

“Farmers must avoid last‑minute seed purchases because early preparation leads to better planning and improved yields. Certified seed remains important for food security and productivity,” Shamba said.

He urged communities to adopt improved farming practices that can withstand changing weather patterns and strengthen household food security.

SEEDCO Matabeleland Region agronomist Wallace Banda also highlighted measures being introduced to ease transport burdens for rural farmers.

“Early buying means early planting. To cut transport costs for farmers who are over 100 kilometres from town, SEEDCO seed will now be delivered to the plot of Cde Pontso Hove. Farmers will also benefit from free training because she is a trained trainer and resident farmer,” Banda said.

The field day also took a celebratory turn when Zanu PF Ward 23 shadow councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, popularly known as “CAB3 Queen” or “Host for ED”, donated 10 goats to the host farmers and handed over US$350 towards roofing sheets for the Black Waters Southern Dip Tank.

In her address, Nkomo pledged continued support for farmers and climate‑smart agriculture initiatives.

“I will not stop empowering farmers in support of Climate‑Smart Agriculture for Broad‑Based Benefits, CAB3. As we move towards Vision 2030, every farmer must be equipped with modern farming knowledge to grow our economy,” she said.

Host farmer Tinos Makombe thanked Nkomo for the support, describing her as a source of hope for the community.

Black Waters Southern Dip Tank chairperson Nehemiah Nyathi said the donation would assist efforts to improve livestock facilities in the area.

The programme ended with farmers sharing rice and refreshments donated by Nkomo as villagers celebrated what many described as a successful and educational field day.