THE police have combined forces with seed producers to crack down on counterfeit seed being sold as the 2025/26 agricultural season gets underway.
Police last week unearthed a scam in Mbare where fraudsters are repackaging and painting ordinary grain to present it as high-quality, treated seed.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe Seed Association chairperson John Makoni said the seed industry was prepared for the agricultural season but expressed concern about growing volumes of fake seed on the market.
“We are ready for the 2025/26 season, with enough seed for all major crops,” Makoni said. “But counterfeit seed is now a serious issue. Farmers are being presented with fake products that threaten their livelihoods.”
Makoni said ZSA represented seed companies producing certified maize, sorghum, millet, wheat, barley, rice, potatoes, soyabeans, groundnuts and horticultural seeds, among others.
He said seed from ZSA members was processed according to national regulations to guarantee germination, purity and treatment against pests and diseases.
“Good quality seed from ZSA members is distributed through a network of registered and licensed agro-dealers,” he said. “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 called on farmers to be on the lookout for suspicious packaging.
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“If a packet does not have a proper label showing the variety name, production information and germination percentage, you must suspect it is fake,” he said.
“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.”
Seed Service Institute head Edmore Mtetwa said government inspectors were carrying out countrywide operations to seize fake seed and verify quality.
“We are taking samples from consignments and verifying legality and quality on the streets,” he said. “We are receiving enormous support from the police for enforcement at the district level.”
Mtetwa said only licensed distributors were allowed to sell seed.
“We are working with all seed dealers to ensure that distribution channels involve only licensed agro-dealers,” he said. “We call on farmers and the public to report any suspicious cases of counterfeit seed or smuggling.
“Anyone selling fake seed will be prosecuted and face the full wrath of the law. Offenders face arrest, loss of licence, fines, compensation to farmers or even imprisonment.”
Mtetwa said the ministry hoped the warning would help to guide farmers on where to source their seed.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said law enforcement agents were already arresting following a surge in fake seed sales ahead of the rainy season.
“We have seen a proliferation of fake seed, including counterfeit packaging,” he said. “Some of the material being sold makes us wonder how people accessed it. Some are coming from illegal premises, printing fake packaging.”
“The public needs information and education because they are being taken advantage of,” he said. “We also challenge the Zimbabwe Seed Association to intensify farmer education, including in rural areas.
“I can assure you arrests will be made this week. We will publicise the individuals, agents, hardware stores and companies involved. Farming has a lot to contribute to Zimbabwe’s survival and prosperity. As the police, we are determined to ensure order in the farming sector.”
