Zimbabwe’s push to build a US$15,8 billion agricultural economy by 2030 will largely depend on strong seed systems anchored on climate-smart, drought-tolerant and pest-resistant crop varieties, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has said.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe Seed Business Summit which began yesterday at Cresta Lodge in Harare, Prof Jiri said improved seed systems were already contributing significantly to the transformation of the country’s agricultural sector under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Agriculture expanded from a US$5,2 billion industry to a US$10,3 billion economy during the implementation of NDS1, driven by innovation, improved technologies and enhanced seed development systems.
Strong seed systems are powering Zimbabwe’s march toward a US$15,8 billion agricultural economy by 2030,” added Prof Jiri.
He said the country’s seed sector remained critical in strengthening food security, improving productivity and ensuring resilience against climate change.
“Climate-smart, drought-tolerant and pest-resistant seed varieties are now indispensable for sustainable agricultural growth and national food security.
The Second Republic has prioritised innovation and research in agriculture as part of its efforts to modernise farming and improve yields across key crops,” Prof Jiri noted.
Prof Jiri highlighted the growth in wheat production as evidence of the impact of improved seed systems and agricultural innovation.
“Zimbabwe’s wheat output has risen from 175 000 tonnes in 2020 to more than 645 000 tonnes in 2025, driven largely by innovation and improved seed systems.
The growth demonstrates the effectiveness of Government interventions aimed at boosting local production and reducing dependence on imports,” the Permanent Secretary said.
Prof Jiri also urged stakeholders in the seed industry to continue investing in research, seed multiplication and the development of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding changing climatic conditions.
“The future of agriculture lies in science, innovation and resilient seed systems that can support farmers in all agro-ecological regions,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Seed Business Summit brought together seed companies, researchers, policymakers, farmers and development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s seed sector and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Delegates are expected to deliberate on issues including seed certification, biotechnology, climate adaptation and regional seed trade as Zimbabwe positions itself to attain upper middle-income economy status by 2030.
