Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
FARMERS have been urged to avoid purchasing agricultural inputs from unregistered and unlicensed dealers, as doing so exposes them to counterfeit products that can drastically reduce yields and undermine national food security.
With the farming season now in full swing, agro-dealers are recording brisk business as farmers acquire essential inputs.
However, con-artists are exploiting the demand by selling fake products at prices well below market value, luring unsuspecting farmers into costly mistakes.
A check by The Manica Post confirmed that adequate supplies of seed, fertilizers, and chemicals are available on both formal and informal markets.
The major concern, however, is the influx of counterfeit seed maize.
Agriseeds marketing director and leading agronomist, Mr Ivan Craig, also confirmed that seed stocks across the country are sufficient.
He emphasized that fraudsters peddling counterfeit inputs must be dealt with decisively, describing them as economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national yields, food security, and the profitability of the agricultural sector.
“As Agriseeds, we have contributed significantly to ensuring farmers have access to genuine, high-quality seed. It is critical that farmers remain vigilant and source inputs only from licensed dealers to safeguard their harvests and protect the nation’s food supply,” he said.
Mr Craig added: “As an industry, we have got more than enough seeds to cater for every piece of land which need to be planted this season. We have also distributed seed to all the ecological regions of Zimbabwe, and we made it a point that reputable suppliers and also some small agro-dealers and hardwares in all the areas have the seed at the same price.
“We are also working hand in hand with the Department of Agritex where we are helping on agronomic issues to make sure that farmers plant on time, and plant the right seed for that ecological region. All the seed which we are distributing in different ecological regions we are making sure that the variety send there is matching the ecological region so that we maximise on the performance of that crop.
“At the end of the day we want the farmer to get the expected yield, quality and good return for every dollar invested. Farmers should get their inputs from reputable companies which supply genuine inputs which perform well. Fake inputs are found on the streets, and are not good inputs at all. Fake inputs affects food security at household level. This is also affect the national economy. There must be deterrent sentences against fake inputs dealers,” said Mr Craig.
Meanwhile, Manicaland Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDS), Mr Nhamo Mudada said that by end of this week, over 116 000 hectares had been planted across the province, and urged the farmers to continue planting.
“The 2025/26 agricultural season is progressing very in Manicaland Province. We are confident that we will surpass our planting and yield targets. Our maize planting target is 265 000 hectares, and as of Monday this week, we were at 44,1 percent in terms of planting. This translate to over 116 000 hectares.
“The forecast from the Metrological Department is that we will have enough rains, so we are encouraging farmers to continue planting. Inputs are being distributed to farmers including maize, cotton and traditional grains. We have surpassed our targeted Pfumvudza plots as we are now at 2 156 85 plots, covering all the crops. 1 425 090 Pfumvudza plots are for the maize crop which is quite positive in terms of our planting this season,” said Mr Mudada.
