杜邦先锋表示，它在赞比亚开设了一个新的种子仓库和办公设施，这将增加玉米的储存能力，并满足农民对肯尼亚、坦桑尼亚和非洲其他市场的本地和出口市场的需求。
“Zambia could emerge as the breadbasket for southern Africa provided an enabling agricultural environment is fostered,” said Worede Woldemariam, East and South Central Africa senior business manager of DuPont Pioneer. “Our aim is to improve farmer productivity and profitability while providing a foundation for farming as a sustainable livelihood that meets the needs of people today and future generations.”
According to DuPont Pioneer, the country currently has an average maize yield of about 2.4 metric tons per hectare, which is slightly above the average 2 metric tons per hectare of maize yields in Africa and 10 tons per hectare in the U.S. “Zambia produces excellent seed quality, and the new facility will ensure world class quality standards are maintained in the region. The latest investment is part of ongoing efforts by DuPont Pioneer to invest in resources and infrastructure in Africa,” the company said.
“The warehouse will allow DuPont Pioneer to develop and produce more seed locally as well as enhance the global competitiveness of the maize industry. Better quality seeds and more advanced farming practices can improve nutrition, the standard of living, and overall agricultural productivity,” says Woldemariam.
The company said that dignitaries in attendance at the grand opening, including local government officials, the U.S. ambassador and partners participated in a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling ceremony. DuPont Pioneer’s administrative office and seed production facilities will move into the facility with immediate effect.