Growing INNOVATION

New Products in 2022

Through extensive research and development efforts, East-West Seed has introduced and relaunched many products in the fruits and vegetable seed market, helping to improve crop quality and increase yields while strengthening resistance to diseases and pests. As a result, productivity and profitability for smallholder farmers worldwide have risen, providing consumers with better access to high-quality and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

In 2022, East-West Seed developed many innovative varieties. Among those, our watermelon varieties in Asia and tomato varieties in Latin America were highlights, and are certainly ones to continue watching to 2023.

From August to October 2022, three watermelon varieties with very attractive flesh color were introduced to farmers in India. These new hybrid watermelon varieties are a perfect example of breeding for market needs. The watermelon varieties have deep yellow or orange flesh, and with excellent eating quality. Yellow Munch hybrid watermelon is sweeter and less watery than traditional varieties, offering higher levels of nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene. The new watermelon varieties provide good yield and high income for farmers, while consumers will love its attractive color, unique honey aroma and delicious taste. These yellow and orange watermelon hybrid varieties are also available in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In Latin America, Tomato Macizo F1 and Victory F1 seeds were introduced in 2022. Macizo F1, launched in Guatemala and El Salvador, boasts high tolerances to Ralstonia, Fusarium Race 3, and Nematodes. As a result, it offers high vigor, yield, and extremely firm fruits with an excellent shelf life, a vibrant color, and a uniform fruit size of 120-130g for the entire plant. Given its high tolerance to soil diseases, Macizo is a dual-purpose hybrid suitable for both rootstock and direct plantation, and has performed well in the market thus far. East-West Seed Latin America has developed a highly active campaign for farmers, particularly in Guatemala, with more than 50 trials and 15 field days. Commercial seeds will follow in 2023 after these promotions conclude, with the mission of overtaking the current market leader.

Meanwhile, Victory F1 seeds are being promoted in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia. Victory F1 is a determinate Roma hybrid with compact plants, good foliar coverage, and an excellent, concentrated yield (high fruit setting capacity at once). This tomato variety gives firm fruits averaging 150g in weight, exceptional shelf life and transportability, as well as a high tolerance to Fusarium race 3 (Fol-2) and to virus diseases transmitted by whitefly (TYLCV) and Trips (TSWV).

Empowering Agricultural Communities through Social Media

East-West Seed has been instrumental in creating online communities for farmers worldwide. These digital channels are important for several reasons, as they empower farmers by providing better access to information. They offer a wealth of knowledge that can help farmers learn about new technologies, techniques, and best practices from fellow farmers, agricultural experts, and industry leaders. This information helps farmers to increase their income, reduce production costs, and improve crop quality.

These online communities also offer valuable networking opportunities for farmers by enabling them to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. Networking also helps farmers find new markets, suppliers, and customers, as well as collaborate on projects, share resources, and support each other.

In some countries, we have observed that online communities are used for marketing purposes. These platforms can be a powerful marketing tool for farmers, helping them showcase their products and services in the community, attract new customers, and build their brand. Farmers can also receive customer feedback and use it to enhance their offerings and services.

Furthermore, online communities can serve as a powerful advocacy tool for farmers. By working together, farmers can amplify their voices and advocate for policies that support their interests. The platforms can also be used to raise awareness about the significance of agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers.

Facebook group is a platform where the growth can grow exponentially by peers and connections with the same interest; our group in Thailand has shown a high demand in home gardening with knowledge sharing and connecting the value chain together since we established the group.