Seed certification regulatory framework, what it means for farmers

Judith Phiri, Features Reporter

MISS Sizalokuhle Moyo, an avid farmer from Montgomery in the sprawling Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, has fallen victim to fake agrochemicals and seeds twice.

In the first instance, she unknowingly sprayed her tomato plants with a counterfeit pesticide while trying to protect them against red spider mite attack.

At the beginning of the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, she had to seek expert advice which saved her from huge losses after buying counterfeit seeds.

Her experience raises many questions and one pertinent question to ask is; how does one differentiate between authentic and counterfeit seeds?

Counterfeit seeds are mostly sold through informal markets and hardware shops in various parts of the country. Some of the traders offer prices which are lower than the original certified seed normally found in established outlets and hardware outlets.

The high influx of fake seeds in the market, which are being sold by some unscrupulous individuals, usually result in low yields. Most fake seeds have a poor germination rate and by buying such seeds, farmers risk making losses.

However, this will soon be a thing of the past following the recent review of the country’s seed certification regulatory frameworks.

The current framework, established 25 years ago, is in dire need of an update to align with international standards. The consequences of inaction are dire: counterfeit seeds, crop failures, and economic losses that could cripple the agricultural sector.

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in seed certification, with the Government recognising the importance of a robust seed industry.

The country has subscribed to international platforms, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) International Seed Certification schemes and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), to enhance seed quality development and trade.

However, the local seed certification scheme falls short in terms of compliance with the latest developments in international and regional seed systems.

This presents challenges for Zimbabwean seed companies looking to expand their presence in the region and beyond.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations convened a write shop to review and update the Seed Certification Scheme Notice 2000 in early February.

The focus was on creating a regulatory framework that guarantees seed quality, drives productivity, and promotes sustainability. This collaborative approach brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers and the private sector to ensure a holistic approach that benefits all stakeholders.

In a recent interview, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the importance of seed security cannot be overstated.

“Quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural systems, impacting everything from productivity to resilience in the face of climate change. The write shop came at an opportune time as it complements Government efforts towards transforming agriculture in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the national blueprint to drive the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.

Prof Jiri said it was widely known that agriculture is two to four times more powerful at reducing poverty than any other sector.

He emphasised the need for the ministry to ensure an adequate supply of certified seed to all regions of the country to safeguard farmers from succumbing to fake seed.

“If we get agriculture right through modernisation of research, innovation and product testing, then we are guaranteed a solid base for agricultural production and food security,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary said seed security is a critical success factor in agriculture, adding that there is a need to ensure that quality seeds are accessible and supplied in a timely manner at affordable prices.
Mr Zwelo Ndebele, FAO Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP) focal person said his organisation is playing a critical role as a strategic partner in this initiative by strengthening institutional capacity and providing technical assistance to the Seed Services Institute.

“This will enhance the quality of seed certification in Zimbabwe and ultimately contribute to improved crop production, food security, and livelihoods for rural communities.

“Enhancing seed certification is crucial for ensuring that farmers have access to good quality seed, which inevitably results in increased production and improved livelihoods for communities,” he said.

Mr Ndebele said two seed germination chambers had been procured worth US$20 000 to enhance seed testing and quality systems in the country.

Germination chambers are designed for the rapid planting, seeding and growth of plants used in scientific experiments.

Providing the optimum environment for seedling production can decrease germination time, improve uniformity and increase the number of seeds that germinate.

The project, funded by the African Development Bank, aligns with FAO’s country programming framework, which focuses on building resilience, adapting to climate change, and increasing productivity.

The write shop sought to identify gaps in seed regulatory frameworks and protocols, review and draft crop-by-crop standards, and address licensing and compliance issues.

Its objectives were to review and update the Seed Certification Scheme and Seeds Regulations to match international best practices, while providing efficient and effective seed quality control and variety protection services.

“By adopting international best practices in seed certification and regulations, Zimbabwe can enhance its agricultural sector, improve food security, and increase exports.

“The landscape has changed over the last 25 years with many smallholder farmers being contracted by seed houses for seed production. This requires revision of the old regulations to create an enabling and inclusive regulatory environment for seed industry growth without compromising on quality,” said Mr Edmore Mtetwa, Head of Seed Services Institute under the Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services.

Farmers have welcomed the seed certification regulatory framework review, as it will ensure the framework becomes compliant with international and regional systems.

In Zimbabwe, seed certification regulations significantly impact farmers’ access to markets by establishing quality standards necessary for the commercial sale of seeds.

While these regulations can enhance market access by ensuring seed quality, thereby improving crop yields and meeting export requirements, they can also create barriers, particularly for smallholder farmers.

As Zimbabwe strives to attain Vision 2030, the role of seed certification in driving economic growth and development cannot be ignored. The write shop presented a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to forge a path that elevates its agricultural sector and secures a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.