Hygrotech

Breeding activities in index countries and plant breeding programme for specific traits
Hygrotech has its own breeding programme in South Africa and develops improved varieties of global vegetable crops with a number of traits that are particularly important for smallholder farmers. This includes improved shelf life, as well as developing early maturing and drought tolerant varieties. The company also focuses on incorporating resistance and tolerance to regionally important pests and diseases, such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and chilli mottle virus (CMV).

Diverse portfolio
Hygrotech offers four or more varieties for all of the crops in its portfolio in South Africa. Additionally, the company offers both OPVs and hybrids for many crops in its portfolio.

No relevant disclosure was found for the company in the governance and strategy measurement area.

The company provides limited insight into its position and activities related to genetic resources and intellectual property management. As it is important that seed companies contribute to genetic resources and intellectual property management that supports smallholder agriculture, the company could provide more insights into its activities for others to learn from.

Local participation in breeding/variety development and variety testing
The company could improve its performance in the measurement area by disclosing how it informs its breeding programme with feedback from local consumers, traders and smallholder farmers, including how it incorporates feedback from women farmers. The company could also disclose more information on its variety testing activities in the index region, including in which countries and under what conditions testing takes place.

Seed production activities in index region
The company does not have seed production locations in the region. It has the opportunity to introduce seed production locations in the region and engage with local seed companies and farmer organisations, respecting social and labour rights of workers. This would contribute to the transfer of advanced technologies and strengthen both local expertise and a sustainable business climate.

Quality assurance and after-sales
The company can disclose its protocols for quality assurance, monitoring its distribution network, ensuring that seeds are not sold beyond their shelf-life, preventing the distribution of counterfeit seeds and providing after-sales support programmes.

Demonstration and promotion strategies
The company has demonstration and promotion programmes in South Africa to promote the adoption of new varieties by smallholder farmers, including media promotions and farmers’ days. However, the company can disclose whether it offers programmes that specifically target women smallholder farmers.

No relevant information was found for the company in the capacity building measurement area.

Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Eggplant
Green bean
Green pea
Lettuce
Melon
Onion
Pepper (hot)
Pepper (sweet)
Pumpkin
Squash
Tomato
Watermelon

Download the portfolios of all companies in the 2021 index for Eastern and Southern Africa here.