Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
GOVERNMENT has amended the Seed Act to address devastating effects of the fall armyworm on crop production.
This follows the fall armyworm outbreak which affected crops mostly maize in all 10 provinces in the just ended season.
Government issued Statutory Instrument 61 of 2025 [CAP.19:13], Seeds (Certification Scheme) [Amendment] Notice, 2025 (No. 5) to effect the change.
“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has, in terms of section 28j of the Seed Act [Chapter 19:13], made the following
regulations – Third Schedule of the Seeds (Certification Scheme) Notice, 2000, published in Statutory Instrument 213 of 2000, is amended by insertion of the new paragraph after
paragraph 10 as follows –
“11. (1) All certified maize seed shall be treated with a recommended and effective seed dressing chemical for the control of fall armyworm as provided in subparagraph (1).
(2) The seed dressing chemical in paragraph (1) must contain a combination of a diamide and a neonicotinoid in flowable solution or equivalent chemical with proven efficacy.
(3) The seed dressing chemical in subparagraph (1) and (2) must be registered with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and approved for use in the control of fall armyworm in Zimbabwe.
(4) Any seed lots failing to comply with these regulations may not be authorised for sale or distribution as certified maize seed.”
Department of Research and Specialist Services (DR&SS) chief director Dr Dumisani Kutywayo said the SI was aimed at reducing crop losses due to fall armyworm damage.
The fall armyworm’s larvae or caterpillar is pest of maize, sorghum, sugarcane and other cereals.
It is regarded as a pest and can wreak havoc on crops if left to multiply.
The pest was first reported on the African continent in several West African countries.
Caterpillars of fall armyworm seem to be much more damaging to maize than most other species.
