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Sifelani Tsiko Agric, Environment & Innovations Editor
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Seed Co, a top seed company have stepped up a nationwide crackdown on the production and sale of counterfeit, low-quality seed to support Government efforts to strengthen the country’s food security.
Addressing journalists at a joint press conference, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police have seized 7,8 tonnes of fake and uncertified maize seed with an estimated street value of between US$16 000 and US$20 000 from a house in the Avondale area of Harare where it was being made in a makeshift factory.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Seed Co have noted with concern the proliferation of fake and counterfeit maize seed which is being sold to unsuspecting farmers through informal markets in various parts of the country,” he said at a press conference jointly organised with Seed Co, a top seed manufacturing company.
“So far 13 cases involving 7,8 tonnes of fake seeds have been reported to the police and are pending court.
“Investigations by the police have established that the fake seed is being sold at illegal outlets and open spaces at prices which are even lower than the original seed found in established outlets and hardware shops.
“This is threatening the nation’s efforts to alleviate hunger in line with the National Development Strategy 1.”
Seed manufacturer, Seed Co has partnered with the ZRP to fight the peddling of fake maize seed on the local market as farmers are making preparations for the 2022 – 2023 cropping seasons.
As farmers are in a hurry to begin sowing, some unscrupulous dealers are trying to seize the opportunity by pushing fake seeds into the local markets using green – coloured fake seed in 5kg, 10kg and 50kg packs labelled “Seed Co,” the brand of a leading seed house.
Use of poor quality or uncertified seed costs Zimbabwean farmers thousands of dollars annually with damaging impact on farmer livelihoods and national food security.
“With Seed Co maize seed, a farmer has the potential to reach 8 – 16 tonnes per hectare. However, a farmer using fake seed will lose about 80 percent of their harvest,” said Terrence Chimanya, Seed Co managing director.
“Therefore, our product basket facing counterfeiting threats is not only a threat to our brand’s image and reputation but a more serious threat is posed to the farmer and the nation.
“This sad act is derailing the government’s efforts to alleviate hunger according to the National Development Strategy.”
Chimanya said the impact of fake seed had serious economic and social implications on all fronts — affecting farmer incomes and livelihoods and denting the national yield target.
Nyathi said the ZRP will therefore enforce provisions of the Seed Act, Chapter 19:13 and ensure that the law takes its course on anyone found selling fake or counterfeit maize seed.
Both the police spokesman and Chimanya bemoaned that the penalties for those found guilty of flouting the Seed Act were too lenient and there was need for tougher and deterrent laws.
A person found guilty of selling counterfeit seed only pays between $650 and $1 000.
“Our warning to farmers is to stay clear of fake seed dealers, unlicensed and unregistered informal traders selling replica Seed Co products. Their selling prices are below the market price of genuine products and in most cases with margins that may seem reasonable to victims,” Chimanya said.
“At Seed Co, we are working tirelessly to prevent farmers from buying fake seed through marketing awareness campaigns that educate consumers on fake seed and the potential losses that might be incurred through fake products misrepresented as our brand.”
He said current penalties were non – deterrent and should be reviewed to curb the threat of fake seed.
Members of the public were urged to report to any nearest police station suspects who are packaging and selling counterfeit maize seed.
The public should report on the following numbers — Harare Operations 0242 748836, Bulawayo Operations 029 885479, National Complaints Desk 0242 703631 and Whatsapp 0172 800 197.
According to The African Seed Access Index (TASAI), almost 10 percent of seeds sold in Africa and South Asia are fake.
This brings a huge cost for farmers, who can see harvests slashed, their families go hungry and bank loans remain unpaid if they are tricked.
TASAI says counterfeit seed affects the business viability of both farmers and seed companies
According to statistics from Seed Co, in 2019 at least 75 tonnes of fake seed maize were confiscated from 45 identified sources.
However, only 10 convictions were recorded during the same period.
Online Reporter