BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE — Farmers have been encouraged to choose maize seed suited to heat, erratic rainfall and other difficult growing conditions as they prepare for seasons marked by increasing weather uncertainty, with Lake Agriculture promoting climate-adapted hybrids during the Khuba Traders and ButterNice Farms Farmers’ Day in Kakholwane today.
Lake Agriculture representatives told farmers that selecting the right seed can improve the chances of successful crop production when weather conditions become challenging.
The company said its maize hybrids have been developed and selected for adaptability under varying climatic conditions, including seasons characterised by high temperatures and unreliable rainfall.
Lake Agriculture runs maize and legume breeding programmes involving germplasm development and multi-country testing, with a focus on developing affordable hybrids suited to African growing environments.
The company has previously highlighted varieties including LAKE 401, LAKE 601 and LAKE 606, which have different maturity periods, giving farmers options depending on their planting windows and production conditions.
The hybrids have also been promoted for traits including cob protection, disease tolerance, grain quality and climate adaptability.
However, Lake Agriculture stressed that drought-tolerant seed does not mean crops are completely protected from drought.
Farmers still need to select varieties suitable for their areas and plant when effective rains are available, while maintaining good soil fertility, applying fertiliser correctly and managing weeds and pests.
Conserving available soil moisture is also important in helping crops withstand difficult conditions.
The guidance comes as farmers face the challenge of planning production around increasingly unpredictable weather, making seed selection an important part of preparing for the agricultural season.
Farmers have therefore been encouraged to consider maturity period, drought and heat tolerance, disease resistance and the suitability of each variety to their particular farming area when purchasing maize seed.
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(Courtesy Pic)
