Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
ZIMBABWE needs a cautionary approach to seed regulation that balances new seed production technologies with rigorous quality control and food security needs of the country.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Permanent Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira said this at a stakeholder training workshop on the science of Seed Production Technology (SPT) and Considerations for National Guidelines.
He said it was important for Zimbabwe to embrace new seed production technologies regulations that keep seed markets accessible, affordable, and flexible for local farmers.
“Zimbabwe is strategically positioned within the Southern African seed system,” Prof Tagwira said.
“We have strong public research institutions, a vibrant seed sector, and growing interest in modern plant breeding innovations.”
“However, our ability to harness these innovations depends heavily on a predictable, science-based regulatory environment. And that environment must be built on a foundation of genuine scientific understanding.”
Prof Tagwira said new seed production technologies must avoid overly restrictive regulations and policies that can stifle crop production efficiencies and prevent farmers from making profits and good yields.
Seed Production Technology (SPT) is now a fully developed biotech-based hybrid seed system already being rolled out across several African countries.
SPT allows breeders to produce high-purity F1 hybrid seed more efficiently, using genetic engineering and AI-assisted sorting.
“But here lies the regulatory challenge: while the breeding process uses genetic modification, the final hybrid seed sold to farmers does not contain foreign genetic material,” he said.
“How do we regulate such products without creating barriers to trade and investment?”
This is not merely a technical question. It is a policy question. It affects regional seed trade, local seed production, and our ability to attract investment in plant breeding.”
He said if Zimbabwe could develop clear, risk-proportionate considerations for SPT regulation — especially regarding exemption pathways and regulatory status determination, the country could position itself as a hub for innovative seed systems in Southern Africa.
The National Biotechnology Authority and AUDA-NEPAD organised this capacity-building workshop.
The seed production technology (SPT) has been designed for African smallholder farmers to improve access to high-quality seed of modern maize varieties and to strengthen the capacity of small to medium enterprise (SME) seed companies to efficiently produce high-quality hybrid maize seed, at reduced cost.
NBA board chairperson Prof ldah Sithole-Niang said it was important to strengthen the regulatory and decision-making capacity of the board and technical teams.
She said training will help the country to draft national guidelines for SPT that are science-based, risk-based, and aligned with emerging continental guidance from AUDA-NEPAD.
Samuel Timpo, head of AUDA-NEPAD’s Biosafety Programme – ABNE, said technologies such as SPT and other biotechnology-enabled innovations are advancing rapidly.
“The question is no longer whether these technologies will emerge, but whether our regulatory systems are prepared to guide them responsibly and effectively,” he said.
“Regulatory uncertainty is no longer an option. To attract investment, support farmers, and sustain public trust, we must establish clear, predictable, and science-based regulatory pathways.”
