By Happy Lazaro, Arusha.
Farmers have been encouraged to visit the Corteva Agriscience pavilion at the ongoing Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at Themi Grounds in Arusha to acquire knowledge on the use of improved maize seed varieties, receive professional agronomic advice, and explore modern agricultural technologies aimed at increasing maize productivity and yields across Tanzania.
The call was made by Corteva Agriscience Agronomist Fikiri Kalobelo while speaking to journalists about the technologies and innovations the company is showcasing during this year's exhibition.
He said Corteva is participating in the event to demonstrate its advanced Pioneer maize seed technologies, which are specifically developed to suit different agro-ecological zones across the country.
Kalobelo explained that the company is committed to ensuring that every farmer visiting the Corteva pavilion receives quality services, technical support, and comprehensive knowledge on modern maize production.
Farmers are being trained on every stage of maize cultivation, from selecting the right seed varieties and applying proper agronomic practices to adopting technologies that enhance productivity and maximize yields.
"Our objective is to empower farmers with technologies and farming practices that enable them to achieve higher yields and better-quality harvests," he said.
For Tanzania's lowland production zones, Corteva recommends the Pioneer P2848W hybrid, which matures within 80 to 90 days and can produce an average yield of 25 to 30 bags per acre when recommended agronomic practices are followed.
For the medium rainfall zones, the company is promoting Pioneer P3531W and PHB 30G19 hybrids, which have the potential to produce between 35 and 40 bags per acre.
According to Kalobelo, these hybrids produce hard and heavy kernels, giving farmers greater economic value under the current grain marketing system, where maize is traded based on weight rather than volume. He added that these varieties are also ideal for roasting and have become highly preferred by both fresh maize traders and consumers.
"These varieties remain fresh for longer after harvest without losing quality, giving both farmers and traders greater market confidence and better returns," Kalobelo noted.
For areas receiving moderate to high rainfall, Corteva recommends the Pioneer P3812W hybrid, which has been developed to perform well under such conditions.
The variety can produce between 35 and 40 bags per acre while offering strong tolerance to leaf diseases and ear rot commonly associated with excessive rainfall.
Kalobelo explained that Pioneer P3812W matures within 115 to 125 days and consistently produces high-quality grain, helping farmers minimize losses caused by prolonged rains. He added that Corteva remains committed to supplying improved seed varieties and professional agronomic support to enhance agricultural productivity nationwide.
Besides Pioneer maize hybrids, Corteva also supplies Pannar maize seed varieties suitable for all production zones in Tanzania.
For lowland and low-rainfall areas, the company recommends PAN 3M-05, which matures within 75 to 80 days and yields between 25 and 30 bags per acre. The variety is characterized by strong stalks and performs well in both low and moderate rainfall conditions.
For the medium production zones, Corteva recommends PAN 53, a variety well known for producing sweet maize suitable for roasting. The hybrid yields between 35 and 40 bags per acre and has strong stalks that withstand different growing conditions.
Kalobelo said PAN 53 was specifically developed to withstand the effects of climate change and performs well in areas receiving moderate to high rainfall while still producing good harvests even when rainfall is below normal.
For the highland production zones, Kalobelo highlighted PAN 9M-91, popularly known as "The Real Answer" because of its outstanding performance and high yield potential. He described it as a new hybrid that produces abundant harvests with hard and heavy kernels.
In addition, Corteva has prepared trial seed packs (Funpacks) for selected farmers while collecting their contact information to enable continuous technical support even after the exhibition concludes. Kalobelo emphasized that the company's commitment to farmers extends beyond selling seed, focusing instead on continuous follow-up and professional guidance to help farmers achieve their production goals.
"That is why we say Corteva enriches lives. Our mission is not simply to sell seed but to transform farmers' livelihoods through improved seed varieties and the right agricultural technologies," he said.
He added that Corteva's culture is built on maintaining close relationships with farmers by providing continuous training and technical assistance, making the company a trusted partner in improving agricultural productivity and enhancing farmers' livelihoods.