On the 19th of August 2025, we made a journey to Top Jum Farm, nestled in the rolling landscapes of Norton District, about 40 kilometres west of Harare. The farm lies within Zone 4 of Seed Co’s ecological classification, an area receiving between 750mm to 1000mm of rainfall annually, making it ideal for cereal production.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Mr. Chiambiro Mapaike, the farm manager, whose calm but confident demeanour reflects his hands-on approach to farming. His dedication to agricultural excellence is unmistakable. “This season we have committed 31 hectares to SC Serena wheat, a variety that has consistently delivered both yield and quality,” he explained, pointing to the uniform green fields stretching beyond the sprinkler irrigation systems.

The farm was in the winter cropping season, and the team had planted 31 hectares of SC Serena, a Seed Co wheat variety renowned for its resilience and output. Each hectare was established with 140kg of seed, an investment in both quality and productivity.

The variety’s white grain, medium- to late-maturing nature (145-150 days to maturity), and strong resistance to leaf rust make it an attractive choice for farmers across agro-ecological zones. Equally important, its protein content of 11.5% and wet gluten levels of 27.7% offer excellent milling and baking qualities, a boon for both producers and millers.

Walking between the well-irrigated rows, Mr. Mapaike gestured toward the overhead sprinklers: “Our sprinkler irrigation system simulates natural rainfall, ensuring the crop receives even moisture. It is an efficient way of maintaining soil health and sustaining crop growth throughout the season.”

While Chiambiro manages day-to-day operations, the farm’s legacy lies with his elder brother, Mr. Rongedzai Mapaike, the sole proprietor of Top Jum Farm. A seasoned farmer, Rongedzai has worked with Seed Co for over 23 years, beginning his journey in 2002. His experience is woven into the history of Zimbabwean agriculture.

But Rongedzai is not just a farmer, he is also a pastor, a role that brings a unique spiritual dimension to his work in the fields. For him, farming is not only about science and soil; it is also about faith. “Every planting season, I don’t just sow seed into the ground, I pray over it. I ask God to bless the rains, to protect the crops from disease, and to multiply the harvest. Farming is a calling, and so is my ministry. For me, the two go hand in hand,” he shared with a calm conviction.

This blending of agriculture and faith gives Peter’s farming journey a special character. He recalls with pride some of his favourite Seed Co varieties over the years: maize hybrids such as R52 and SC 701 (now SC 727), which brought stability to his yields during challenging seasons. “Seed Co has given us science, and prayer has given us hope. Together, they have carried us through the years,” he reflected.
“I still remember when I first planted Seed Co’s maize hybrids like R52 and SC 701, which later transformed into SC 727. Those varieties were game changers for us, bringing consistency and resilience to our harvests,” Rongedzai recalled during our conversation.

Seed Co’s continued innovation resonates strongly with him: “The company has never stood still. For 85 years, they have been breeding new varieties, adapting to the changing climate, and giving farmers tools to achieve better harvests. For us, that partnership has been transformational.”

With SC Serena flourishing under the careful management of Mr. Chiambiro and the long-standing vision of his brother Rongedzai, the farm stands as a tower of productivity in Norton District.