- Seed Co Limited’s sales volumes dropped 59% in Q1 2025 due to the non-recurrence of last year’s unusually high export orders
- The previous year’s export spike was driven by southern African countries restocking after severe El Niño-related crop failures
- Despite early setbacks from delayed local crop establishment and climate disruptions, Seed Co remains optimistic about recovery in the second half of the year
Harare - Largest seed company,Seed Co Limited has recorded a 59% drop in sales volumes for the first quarter ended 30 June 2025, according to the company’s latest trading update.
The drop was driven by the absence of last year’s unusually high export orders and weaker winter seed sales in Zimbabwe.
‘’ Seed sales volumes declined by 59% year on year because of non-recurrence of export orders at the same level as prior year and due to subdued winter seed sales in Zimbabwe,’’the company said.
The company sold 3,393 metric tonnes during the quarter, down from 8,374 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
Revenue fell 56% to US$5.78 million.
As a result , operating profit of US$5.38 million in Q1 2024 swung to a US$3.14 million operating loss this year.
In 2024, countries in southern Africa rushed to restock after severe El Niño-induced production failures in the 2023/24 season, driving a surge in Seed Co’s export orders.
In contrast, this year’s regional grain production improved in some markets, reducing the urgency for early, large-scale seed imports and returning export orders to more typical levels.
Locally ,delayed crop establishment in the 2024/25 summer season delayed harvesting, compressing the winter wheat planting window and reducing demand for winter wheat seed.
This seasonal shift was further compounded by climate related disruptions, which have become a recurring challenge for the agricultural sector.
Despite the slow start, the company remains optimistic about the second half of the financial year, which historically delivers the bulk of annual sales during the summer seed selling season.
Zimbabwe’s 2025 mid-term budget reinforced the government’s push for food security, highlighting irrigation expansion and climate-smart agriculture initiatives that align closely with Seed Co’s product strategy.
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