Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Check Point Desk
Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, has initiated a formal review into the safety of glyphosate‑based herbicides following a multi‑billion‑dollar settlement by agrochemical giant Bayer over claims that its popular weedkiller, Roundup, causes cancer.
The development follows news that Bayer has agreed to pay US$7,25 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits in the United States alleging the company failed to warn consumers that glyphosate, Roundup’s key ingredient, could cause non‑Hodgkin lymphoma.
Although the Germany‑based firm, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, continues to dispute the scientific claims, it said the settlement was intended to quell prolonged litigation uncertainty that has weighed on its US agricultural operations.
The settlement was filed in a Missouri court and comes as the Supreme Court of the United States prepares to hear arguments in a separate case concerning federal regulatory approval of the herbicide. The news has sent ripples across Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, where glyphosate‑based products are widely available in agro‑chemical shops and commonly used by farmers for weed control.
Contacted for comment, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said:
“We are looking at the report also.”
The development has sparked debate within the farming community, with experts urging caution when using such products.
Glyphosate is the main component of Roundup, which is alleged to cause cancer.
Other glyphosate herbicides include, but are not limited to, Roundup, Ranger Pro, Eraser Maxx, AquaPro/AquaMaster, Roundup QuikPRO and Glyphosate 700 Granular.
Agro‑chemicals expert Dr Reneth Mano, executive administrator at the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (LMAC), said he was aware of the developments.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is the one with the mandate and legal obligation to respond to these latest developments by taking appropriate policy action to protect citizens from exposure to such cancer‑causing agro‑chemicals,” he said.
Agriculture expert and leading agronomist Mr Ivan Craig said that while glyphosate‑based herbicides are effective and popular among farmers, they must be handled with extreme caution.
“I’m fully aware of the issues with Roundup, which has an active ingredient of glyphosate,” he said.
“It has been banned in other countries, but in Zimbabwe, it is still registered. Farmers who are still using it must use it carefully and take strict safety precautions.”
He said some farmers underestimate the long‑term health risks associated with improper handling of chemicals.
“The damage can be slow and long‑term,” Mr Craig said.
“You might think you are used to it and handling it well, but with time, you may develop serious health problems, including skin cancer. These chemicals can be quite dangerous if misused.”
Mr Craig urged farmers to strictly follow label instructions, particularly on mixing ratios and application methods, and to wear appropriate protective clothing when handling herbicides.
“Farmers must understand their cropping programmes. The herbicide you use today may affect the next crop in rotation, impacting germination and even final yield quality.
“There can also be residual traces that may affect export markets, as some countries test for chemical residues and may reject produce that does not meet their standards.”
He said farmers must also understand their target markets before applying herbicides.
“Certain markets test for residual toxicity,” he said.
“If traces are detected, crops can be rejected. Proper use and knowledge of your cropping plan and markets are very important.”
Across the country — from agro‑dealers in rural service centres to major agricultural supply outlets in Harare and Bulawayo — Roundup and other glyphosate‑based herbicides remain readily available.
Farmers interviewed said they were not aware of the alleged cancer risks associated with glyphosate‑based herbicides and called for nationwide awareness campaigns.
Sealous‑based farmer Mr Ringisai Masocha said he had been using glyphosate products for years without knowledge of potential long‑term health effects.
“We were never told about cancer risks,” he said.
“We just buy what works. If there are dangers, authorities should educate us so that we protect ourselves.”
Another farmer, Mr Dennis Moyo from Mazowe, echoed the call, saying information on safe handling and possible health implications should reach farmers in rural areas.
“Most of us rely on advice from agro‑dealers. If there are issues like this, an awareness campaign across the country would help farmers understand how to use these chemicals safely,” he said.
Glyphosate products are widely used by both commercial and smallholder farmers for weed control in crops such as cereals, grains and oilseeds.
For now, glyphosate‑based products remain on sale as authorities conduct their review.
