Seed Co Zambia Launches *419# Platform to Empower Farmers
Seed Co Zambia has unveiled a new USSD campaign aimed at expanding digital inclusivity and empowering farmers across the country, particularly in remote and rural areas.
The innovative service, which can be accessed by dialling *419#, enables farmers to browse Seed Co’s range of seed varieties, receive agronomic advice, and conveniently place orders, all without the need for an internet connection.
Speaking to the Zambia Daily Mail, Grace Kalungu, Seed Co Zambia’s Marketing Manager, said the initiative underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity in agriculture.
“This USSD campaign represents our promise to make technology work for every farmer, whether you’re in Lusaka, Chipata, or a rural farming community in Muchinga. By bridging the digital gap, we’re ensuring that access to information and quality seed is just a few buttons away,” she said.
Ms Kalungu explained that the new platform is part of Seed Co’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, designed to empower farmers through tools that enhance productivity, convenience, and resilience amid changing climatic and economic conditions.
She highlighted that the company’s digital journey began in 2021 with the introduction of its online shop, a service that proved invaluable during the COVID-19 lockdown by allowing farmers to purchase seed from home.
“The platform was essential when movement restrictions made it difficult to access inputs. However, we soon realised that it mostly benefited farmers with reliable internet access, while many in rural areas remained excluded,” she noted.
To close this gap, Seed Co developed the USSD solution, ensuring that farmers with basic mobile phones can also access its services.
Ms Kalungu added that the new platform not only streamlines transactions but also supports data-driven decision-making, helping the company better understand and respond to farmers’ needs.
