The Government has introduced new regulations requiring all certified maize seed to be treated with specific chemical agents to combat the persistent threat of fall armyworm, a destructive pest that has plagued crops across Zimbabwe in recent years.
According to Statutory Instrument 61 of 2025, gazetted on 6 June 2025, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has amended the Seeds (Certification Scheme) Notice to enforce seed treatment standards aimed at pest control and improved crop protection.
Under the new regulation, all certified maize seed must be treated with a registered and effective seed dressing chemical that includes a combination of a diamide and a neonicotinoid in flowable solution, or a proven equivalent. The Seeds (Certification Scheme) (Amendment) Notice, 2025 (No. 5) reads:
All certified maize seed shall be treated with a recommended and effective seed dressing chemical for the control of fall armyworm…
Any seed lots failing to comply with these regulations may not be authorised for sale or distribution as certified maize seed.
The chemicals used must be officially registered with the Ministry and approved specifically for use in controlling fall armyworm in Zimbabwe.
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