Seed producers have voiced concern over the increasing presence of counterfeit seed on the market as the 2025/26 summer cropping season begins.
Last week, police uncovered a scam in Mbare, where fraudsters were repackaging and painting ordinary grain to pass it off as high-quality, treated seed.
Speaking to journalists in Harare, Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZSA) chairperson John Makoni warned that such fake seeds pose a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods. Said Makoni:
“We are ready for the 2025/26 season, with enough seed for all major crops.
“But counterfeit seed is now a serious issue. Farmers are being presented with fake products that threaten their livelihoods.”
Makoni said ZSA represents companies producing certified seeds for crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, wheat, barley, rice, potatoes, soybeans, groundnuts, and various horticultural crops.
He added that seeds from ZSA members are processed in line with national regulations to ensure high germination rates, purity, and protection against pests and diseases. Said Makoni:
“Good quality seed from ZSA members is distributed through a network of registered and licensed agro-dealers.
“We want farmers to know that unscrupulous players are putting fake seed on the market. Farmers must ensure they buy seed from authentic suppliers.”
Makoni urged farmers to watch out for suspicious packaging, which could have spelling mistakes or omit essential information. He said:
“If a packet does not have a proper label showing the variety name, production information and germination percentage, you must suspect it is fake.
“Some packets even have spelling errors. Cheap seed often ends up costing the farmer a whole season.
“Fake seed reduces yields, income, and threatens the viability of farming businesses. It also threatens national food and nutrition security.
“As ZSA, we are committed to rooting out these unscrupulous people, working closely with the government and the police.”
More: NewsDay
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