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Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is set for a positive transformation following the advent of Hekhani Seeds, an innovative seed company dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for underutilized crops.
Hekhani Seeds represents a significant advancement in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. By championing agricultural entrepreneurship among women and focusing on sustainable practices, this collaboration has the potential to drive economic growth, improve food security, and empower communities for future generations.
The seed company’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities along these value chains underscores its mission: ensuring that farmers prosper while agriculture becomes more sustainable, and providing consumers with safe, healthy, and nutritious food.
Apart from improving crop yields, Hekhani Seeds focuses on empowering women and addressing food security challenges, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Founded and led by Dr Cathrine Ziyomo in March 2022, Hekhani Seeds is the first seed company to be listed on the ZMX (Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange), trading commodities valued at over USD$1.4 million.
Hekhani’s listing on the ZMX facilitates market access for smallholder farmers. This platform enables Hekhani to establish strong linkages with oil processing companies and other market actors, ensuring fair compensation for farmers’ crops. By creating viable agricultural value chains, this collaboration enhances food security and nutrition for local communities.
Hekhani is committed to improving crop productivity and profitability for smallholder farmers through continuous innovation and adherence to high-quality seed control standards. The company specializes in developing biofortified seeds and drought-tolerant varieties, including orange maize, high-iron, and zinc sugar beans, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and high-iron sorghum.
Dr Ziyomo brings a wealth of experience in agricultural research and plant genetics, holding a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from the University of Minnesota. Her leadership has been instrumental in supporting over 100 plant breeding programs across Africa, significantly contributing to food security and agricultural resilience.
With Dr Cathrine Ziyomo leading Hekhani Seeds, there is a strong commitment to modernizing Africa’s breeding programs while aligning with global sustainability goals. This initiative not only addresses critical agricultural challenges but also fosters a more inclusive economy through women’s empowerment in agriculture.
Hekhani Seeds looks forward to enhancing its capacity for research and development, enabling the company to expand its offerings and improve the quality of seeds available to local farmers.
Hekhani Seeds targets 25,000 households led by women in rural Zimbabwe through initiatives that promote job creation across various crop value chains. This commitment is crucial for achieving SDG 5: Gender Equality, as it seeks to provide economic opportunities for women within the agricultural sector.
The company’s contract farming model emphasizes market linkages that provide expanded economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. The company also offers technical training on climate-smart agriculture practices, biofortification, and good agronomy practices, ensuring that farmers can improve their yields and incomes sustainably.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR HEKHANI SEEDS
Physical Address: Number 4 Bannockburn Close, Mt. Pleasant, Harare
Telephone numbers: +2637800 46 554; +263772 189 887 (WhatsApp)
Email: cathrine@hekhani.co.zw