{"id":4033,"date":"2026-03-25T13:03:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T13:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seedcogroup.com\/zm\/fieldcrops\/?p=4033"},"modified":"2026-03-25T14:28:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T14:28:33","slug":"seed-co-zambia-unveils-next-generation-innovation-at-record-breaking-national-field-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seedcogroup.com\/zm\/fieldcrops\/seed-co-zambia-unveils-next-generation-innovation-at-record-breaking-national-field-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Seed Co Zambia unveils next-generation innovation at record-breaking National Field Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lusaka, Zambia <\/strong>– This year\u2019s Seed Co Zambia National Field Day will be remembered not just for its scale, drawing an unprecedented crowd of over 3,000 to 3,500 farmers and stakeholders, but for a defining moment in agricultural innovation. At the heart of the event was the official launch of two groundbreaking varieties, SC561 maize and the Canova F1 tomato, marking a bold step forward in both field crops and horticulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Set against thriving demonstration plots and fields alive with promise, the unveiling of SC561 introduced a high-performance maize hybrid designed for the realities of modern farming. With early maturity of approximately 125 to 131 days, strong standability, and very good drought tolerance, SC561 positions itself as a dependable companion in increasingly unpredictable seasons. Its impressive yield potential of 10-11 tonnes per hectare, combined with adaptability across Agro-Ecological Zones I, II, and III, makes it a versatile solution for farmers seeking both stability and performance. The hybrid variety brings renewed confidence to farmers aiming for consistent bumper harvests.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Seed Co Zambia has marked its leadership in agricultural advancement by introducing SC561 as a complementary hybrid to its existing variety basket while simultaneously expanding its footprint in the vegetable segment with the Canova F1 tomato, distinguished by its rich, deep red qualities and strong market appeal. These launches reflect a deliberate shift toward integrated, innovation-led productivity across value chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Canova F1 tomato stands out as a premium horticultural solution, offering not only visual appeal but commercial strength. Characterised by its firm, uniform fruits and deep red colour, it delivers both freshness and shelf presence. With strong plant vigour, consistent fruit setting, and a reliable production cycle, Canova F1 ensures continuity throughout the season. Its excellent shelf life and transport resilience make it particularly attractive for both local markets and export value chains, while its versatility allows it to perform well across open-field and protected environments.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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During the launch, the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema congratulated Seed Co Zambia on the introduction of the two new varieties and reiterated the central role of productivity in national development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He emphasised that agriculture must move beyond traditional practices, stating that farming should not merely focus on cultivating land, but on maximising productivity through efficiency and intention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that true progress lies in understanding productivity as the foundation of production, adding that improved productivity creates a multiplier effect that enhances output, strengthens food security, and drives economic growth.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cFood production is not only a necessity, but also an economic driver. Without food, there is no stability. Without food, there is no future,\u201d he said.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the Board Chairperson Chance Kabaghe highlighted that the convergence of technology, innovation, and research remains the driving force behind Seed Co\u2019s continued success, noting that these pillars have directly led to the development of transformative solutions such as SC561. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He explained that the newly launched variety represents the next generation of climate-smart seed, combining early maturity, resilience, and high yield potential to support farmers in increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cSC561 is a clear testament to what is possible when science meets purpose,\u201d he stated.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati, positioned the launch within a broader national transformation agenda, explaining that Zambia is witnessing the rise of a technology-driven agricultural ecosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stressed that institutions such as Seed Co Zambia are evolving into innovation hubs that integrate research, connectivity, and digital systems to drive productivity at scale. He added that government efforts to expand rural connectivity, digitise farmer systems, and deploy emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping how agriculture is practiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAgriculture in Zambia is no longer just about growing crops. It is about growing intelligence, growing efficiency, and growing opportunity,\u201d he said.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the centre of this transformation is Seed Co Zambia\u2019s commitment to innovation, embodied in the two newly launched varieties. SC561 offers farmers a climate-smart, early maturing maize hybrid with strong yield potential, excellent standability, and resilience, making it ideal for adapting to shorter and more erratic rainfall patterns. On the other hand, the Canova F1 tomato introduces a premium horticultural solution, characterised by its deep red colour, uniform fruit size, strong shelf life, and consistent performance across diverse growing conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anchored under the theme \u201cLeveraging Innovation for Sustainable and Enhanced Productivity,\u201d the launch of SC561 and Canova F1 is more than a product introduction, it is a statement of intent. It signals Seed Co Zambia\u2019s continued investment in research, technology, and farmer-centred solutions, ensuring that productivity is not only increased, but sustained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this moment, innovation is no longer an abstract concept, it is visible in every seed, every field, and every farmer empowered to grow not just crops, but a more productive and resilient future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article was authored by Tapela Lungu who is <\/em><\/strong>the Group Digital Officer for Seed Co International 25.03.2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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