Published: 16 July 2013

The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre is targeting at producing 600 tonnes of maize seed for the 2013/14 cropping season, up from 165 tonnes last year.

SIRDC produces a maize seed variety known as Sirdamaize 113, which is drought and disease tolerant.

Chief executive Robson Mafoti said production would be increased in response to demand.

Sirdamaize takes at least 136 days to mature, yields at least three tones per hectare and can survive with very little rainfall.

Mafoti said the seed performed beyond expectations last season.
- herald

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