By Elijah Chihota

Local seed producer, Seed-Co has invited young people at universities and colleges of agriculture to develop innovative and technological ideas that create value for farmer’s livelihoods in Zimbabwe, under its Seed-Co Innovation Challenge programme.

“In partnership with BOOST Fellowship, Seed-Co seeks to enhance the capacities of young people in Universities and Colleges of Agriculture in developing innovative and technological ideas that create value for the company as well as improving farmers’ livelihoods in Zimbabwe,” said the company on its website.

The challenge is open to all university and agricultural college students from first year up to doctorate level. Ideas that would be considered are those that focus on adding value to farmers, seed producers, seed research communities, seed houses (Seed-Co), farmer groups and organisations, agricultural colleges and universities.

“New technologies and business models that make agribusiness more inclusive or use collaborative solutions to improve market penetration and innovations that empower Seed Co farmers to fully participate in agribusiness and gain revenue from employment or entrepreneurship such as new distribution channels,” said Seed-Co.

The initiatives are set to lead to new products that are bankable and meet the requirements of Seed Co farmers.

“Ten outstanding ideas shall be selected and receive $500 each. Overall winners of the competition shall receive the following cash prizes winner ($5 000), first runner up ($3 500) and second runner up ($1 500).

The Seed-Co programme is expected to enable agricultural students to come up with ways that improve yields and make crop husbandry a lucrative business for farmers. This resonates well with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s calls for innovativeness among university graduates, thereby creating their own employment.