ZM 521 is a white semi-flint grain maize with excellent GLS resistance and was bred by CIMMYT for Sub-Saharan Africa. It has and intermediate maturity.

ZM 521 yields 30 -50 % more than traditional varieties under drought and low soil fertility. These are two problems that commonly keep smallholder farmers in cycle of poverty.

The economic return of these varieties over seasons, particularly when grown in harsh environments may therefore match that of expensive hybrid seed.