Online Reporter
Precious Manomano and Patience Maturure
THE Government has launched a 10-week operation to conduct spot checks on agro-dealer premises, aiming to ensure compliance with the Seed Act (Chapter 19:13) and related regulations to combat the spread of counterfeit seed in the market.
This coincides with the peak selling season for agro-inputs, targeting cities, towns and selected business centres nationwide.
The operation commenced on October 6, 2025, and will continue until mid-December, depending on market conditions.
At a Press conference on awareness of fake seed and preparedness for the summer season in Harare, head of the Seed Services Institute under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Edmore Mtetwa, said there is need for collaborative efforts to curb counterfeit seed.
“Noting that we are now in the peak selling period for seed, the Ministry wishes to remind farmers and the general public that they must purchase certified seeds from certified seeds from registered agro-dealers only to avoid being duped by unscrupulous dealers selling counterfeit products,” he said.
He urged farmers to request proof of registration from agro-dealers, which should be displayed at retail outlets for easy verification.
Mr Mtetwa underscored that the licensing of seed sellers allows the ministry to oversee the proper handling and storage of certified seeds while preventing the distribution of counterfeit products.
He cited Section 8 of the Seed Act, which stipulates that “no person shall sell seed unless registered as a seed seller”.
The operation will enhance the traceability of seed lots and verify adherence to the national seed certification and quality assurance system. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is providing support for regulatory enforcement, particularly in challenging situations.
In this initiative, agronomists from various seed houses are cooperating to report any suspicious cases of counterfeit or smuggled seeds.
Citizens are encouraged to report such cases to local police stations and the ministry’s Seed Services Institute.
Mr Mtetwa warned that offenders would face severe penalties, including loss of licence for licenced agro-dealers, fines based on the nature of the offence, restitution to affected farmers, and possible imprisonment.
He added that the ministry is working with the Attorney General’s Office to review punitive measures against bogus agro-dealers to strengthen enforcement actions.
The Seed Services Institute administers a robust certification system focused on traceability, local adaptability testing, field inspections at seed production sites, laboratory testing of seeds, and post-control evaluations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Zimbabwe Seed Association vice chairman Mr Tich Maponga, noted that counterfeit seeds significantly undermine the Presidential Input Programme (PIP).
“The PIP programme is being undermined by fake seeds being sold in markets, affecting genuine farmers and retailers,” he stated, highlighting the diversion of seeds into markets as a major challenge.
To address this issue, a campaign has been launched to raise awareness among farmers about proper seed packaging and distribution.
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