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Obert Chifamba-Agri-Insight
LAST Tuesday, the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DR&SS) in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development once again repeated what has become a common warning every time preparations for a novel season heat up – ‘farmers must not buy inputs from undesignated sources but certified agro-dealer and retail outlets only.’
The Seed Services Institute (SSI), which is responsible for the administration of the Seeds Act [Chapter 19:13] under the DR&SS made the call with its head, Mr Edmore Mtetwa stressing that the country was now approaching the peak selling period for agro-inputs (seed, fertilisers and chemicals) in readiness for the 2023/24 summer cropping season, which made it critical for farmers and the general public to make sure they purchased certified seed from licenced agro-dealers only to avoid being duped by unscrupulous retailers selling counterfeit products.
Mr Mtetwa observed that counterfeiters always wanted to capitalise on the ‘rush hour’ to secure inputs by farmers to smuggle fake products into the market but added that his department was working with the Attorney General’s office to ensure punitive measures were meted on agro-dealers selling counterfeit seed.
“Unscrupulous dealers selling counterfeit seed face arrest and prosecution in the courts of law. The courts decide on punitive measures, which include loss of license if the offence is committed by a licensed agro-dealership, fine, ordering restitution or compensation to farmers and prison sentence,” he added.
It is, however, worth noting that the country already has a robust regulatory framework aimed at combating counterfeit seed and fertiliser on the market to ensure farmers are protected.
The laws are supported by various statutory instruments to ensure that all seed produced and marketed by seed houses is subjected to a robust quality assurance confirming compliance with minimum certification standards.
What may need to be bolstered may be the severity of the corrective measures being meted out to make sure they become deterrent enough to stop anyone from even entertaining the thought of trading in counterfeit products.
Unscrupulous traders in fake inputs have in recent times become so daring that they sell fake products in broad daylight with some even going to the extent of setting up fake seed factories, for example, one that was busted by police in Avondale, Harare, last year seizing 7,8 tonnes of fake and uncertified maize seed with an estimated street value of between US$16 000 and US$20 000 then.
Such a development demonstrates the extent to which the vice has nestled in the communities.
Essentially, it means farmers and the generality of Zimbabwe must always be wary of these con artists lurking in the shadows of dark alleys waiting for opportune moments to strike.
One good thing is that SSI always conducts regular monitoring of all companies to ensure seed is distributed and marketed by licensed agro-dealers only and is justifiably in the process of introducing the use of tamper-proof seed labels guided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) international seed schemes to enhance traceability of seed packets.
SSI must also keep ensuring that all seed production fields are pre-controlled through evaluating samples of parental lines for trueness-to-type and subject samples of certified seed on the market to post-control evaluations to confirm the effectiveness of the seed certification system.
It will not require rocket science for all and sundry to acknowledge that the use of fake seed is a sure recipe to compromising crop quality, yields and above all, the push to boost food security and the dream to get all agricultural value chains working to capacity once again.
One sure way of making sure fake inputs do not flood markets is also through ascertaining that all inputs, for instance, fertilisers and seed, being manufactured, distributed, sold, or imported into Zimbabwe should be registered.
Any input units not registered should be deemed illegal and farmers stopped from purchasing them.
Registration is done by the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute.
As a rule of thumb, farmers should check the product they are buying for confirmation that it is genuine.
A registered fertiliser should be sold in a sealed, clearly and legibly labelled packaging.
The labels should be written in English or local language, and should bear the brand name of the product, name, address and contact details of the local manufacturer or distributor.
Additionally, there should be information on the nutrient composition written on the package or label with directions for use, safety precautions and net weight of the product.
Such information makes it for users of the product to trace it to its source should need arise. The label should contain information on date of manufacture, batch number, expiry date and should also carry the registration number.
This information also helps farmers realise whether a product is expired or not.
Farmers should under no circumstances settle for fertilisers and pre-packs (smaller packages or re-bagging) without a label, as this leaves them prone to being served with sub-standard products that compromise their competitiveness and profitability at the same time.
Sometimes counterfeiters go to the extent of going to farmers to buy genuine empty containers and fill them with their own concoctions.
They can even buy from unscrupulous individuals working for registered suppliers of such products before re-packaging and selling.
This scenario requires the farmer to regularly scrutinise the packaging of his inputs and always have something from registered outlets for comparison purposes.
Where it is difficult to notice the difference from the packaging, pricing disparities may help, as most counterfeit sellers want the products to move fast so they price them lowly to attract buyers.
The pricing should be another pointer the farmers can check with.
Some registered dealers are now advising their clients to either pierce or damage, in some way, the empty containers after use, or refuse to sell them to ‘recyclers’ as a way of making sure they are not used for ulterior purposes.
Registered dealers can also make farmers’ lives easier by regularly holding interactive sessions in which they sensitise their clients on their products.
It is also helpful for such dealers to ensure they offer after-sales services to their clients to ensure their products are properly used for the best results.
One thing most peddlers in fake inputs do not want to happen is for products to be traced to them so they do not issue receipts in most cases.
They prefer to make the business brisk creating the impression that receipting will be wasting time so people should just buy and go. This makes it crucial for farmers to insist on obtaining a receipt when they buy chemicals or seeds from the agro-input dealers. They should also insist on sealed chemicals to avoid adulteration.
That group of farmers who insist on buying small quantities will naturally be creating the right conditions for the sale of fake products.
It is therefore important for farmers to make sure they change their buying habits and allow every business they do to be as professional as possible.
Online Reporter