Newsroom

Muifha Tshifhiwa

Crop Science Services within Agriculture Regulatory and Technology Development Directorate in Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) together with Advanta seeds company held the information day on demonstration trials on various crops - watermelon, brinjals, okra, green pepper, green beans, and calabash crops. The trials were carried out at three different farms under Mphaila irrigation scheme at Dzanani Service Centre, Vhembe District to determine the performance of the seeds on different soil type, irrigation spacing as well as irrigation method.  

Through these demonstrations farmers were afforded an opportunity to understand the difference in production yield between the hybrid and open pollinated variety seeds being used.

Farmers including the likes of Ntodeni Muravha, under which the trials were conducted, as well as Rendani Nemakanga, LDARD agricultural scientist spoke in one voice that the Advanta hybrid seeds used for trial have proven to be of good quality. They acceded to the performance of the hybrid seeds over open pollinated which they said are resistance to harsh conditions such as heat wave, rainstorms and various pests and diseases.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr Nyaweleni Ruruwe appreciated the efforts by the department for always being a step ahead with trials and research that have over the years proven to be beneficial to the farming community. ‘’My fellow farmers and I have got the ability to produce food and eliminate poverty, create employment, and ensure that there is food security. However, we do not have the skills and capacity to conduct research of these caliber hence we rely on extension services and organisations such as Advanta for guidance to make informed decisions about the new developments of the seeds”.

Muravha made an indication that their failure to understand the calabash crop resulted with attack from powdery mildew disease but confirmed that they have done well with other crops such as okra, which was sold to national markets since November 2023. He noted that their observation to the Advanta seeds throughout the trial indicated that okra and watermelon had ripen earlier than expected and further noted that the produce have long shelf life.