Bayer Unveils Climate-Smart Seed
New high-yield hybrid boosts food security while promoting resilient farming under changing climate conditions
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (17-4-2026) - Bayer Zambia has unveiled its new climate-smart maize seed, DKC 86-43, at the Chishamba Agritech Expo, in a move aimed at strengthening food security, improving farmer productivity, and promoting environmentally resilient agriculture in the face of changing climate conditions.
Speaking during the launch, crop systems agronomist Cannon Mukuma said the hybrid was developed to address key challenges in Zambia’s agricultural sector, particularly the effects of climate variability on crop production and rural livelihoods.
Mukuma said the introduction of climate-smart seed varieties is critical, as farming remains central not only to household incomes but also to food security and the sustainability of rural communities.
He explained that DKC 86-43 is a medium-maturing hybrid, reaching physiological maturity in about 125 to 135 days, making it suitable for diverse agro-ecological zones across the country.
He added that its climate resilience allows it to perform consistently even under unpredictable rainfall patterns, helping farmers maintain production in seasons affected by drought or erratic weather.
Mukuma further highlighted its strong disease tolerance, noting that the plants show clean foliage and resistance to common maize diseases, reducing losses and limiting the need for excessive chemical interventions that can affect the environment.
He also pointed to its flint-type grain, which is heavier and more durable, improving both market value and milling efficiency for farmers.
In addition, Mukuma said the hybrid is suitable for both grain and green maize markets, with a sweet taste that can provide farmers with additional income opportunities.
He further noted that DKC 86-43 is highly prolific, with a 60 to 65 percent chance of producing two cobs per plant, increasing output per unit area and enhancing food availability.
Mukuma encouraged farmers, especially small-scale producers, to adopt improved seed technologies, saying climate-smart innovation is essential for increasing yields, improving incomes, and strengthening food security in Zambia.
Speaking at the same event, Bayer Zambia Distribution Relationship Manager Nchimunya Hachilala said the hybrid is designed for medium to late maturity zones and is particularly suited for northern regions that receive higher rainfall.
Hachilala said the seed is also engineered to withstand climate variability, including reduced rainfall patterns that have increasingly affected farming seasons.
He noted that under optimal conditions, DKC 86-43 can yield up to 13 metric tonnes per hectare, significantly improving returns for farmers and contributing to national food security.
“This hybrid is designed to perform even under low moisture conditions, ensuring farmers can still achieve good yields despite climate challenges,” he said.
He added that the seed also features strong cob-filling characteristics and closed tips, which enhance grain development and overall productivity.
Hachilala emphasized that Bayer’s approach goes beyond seed supply, saying the company works closely with farmers throughout the production cycle—from land preparation to harvest—to ensure maximum productivity.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers get value from every hectare they invest in. We want farmers to win,” he said.
He further said the hybrid will be widely available across Zambia from May ahead of the next planting season, with distribution systems designed to reach farming communities more effectively.
Hachilala also highlighted Bayer Zambia’s seed production capacity, pointing to its seed plant in Kabwe, which can produce up to 76,000 metric tonnes of seed annually, supporting both local and regional markets.
“Our mission is ‘Health for all, hunger for none.’ We are committed to ensuring farmers have access to high-quality seed that meets local needs,” he said.
The company also showcased other hybrids, including DKC 80-25, DKC 90-89, and DKC 77-77, all aimed at improving productivity, climate resilience, and food security among farmers.
The launch comes amid growing calls for increased adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies to strengthen food security while reducing environmental pressure caused by traditional farming practices.
Moonga explained that quality assurance covers multiple stages, including physical purity, germination rates, and heat tolerance testing, all aimed at ensuring consistent field performance.
She said quality control begins at production, where seed is grown under regulated conditions in line with national certification standards.
Moonga added that all seed batches undergo rigorous testing from field production through processing to final certification before reaching the market.
She noted that the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) plays a key role in inspecting and verifying seed quality at every stage, including storage and distribution.
Moonga emphasized that this multi-layered system is designed to protect farmers from counterfeit seed and ensure only certified products reach the market.
She said the DKC 86-43 hybrid undergoes repeated testing to confirm both genetic and physical purity before and after processing.
She further explained that Bayer Zambia’s internal and regulatory systems ensure consistency from production to packaging in blue-labelled bags, giving farmers confidence in expected performance.
Moonga also advised farmers on good agronomic practices, recommending early planting during the winter season for green maize production, as well as timely planting during the rainy season in November depending on production goals.
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