By Connect Stories Africa Reporter
Harare, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Seed Co have issued alarming warnings about the proliferation of counterfeit maize seeds being sold by informal traders across the country.
The fraudulent sale of fake seeds, often marketed under reputable brands, poses significant risks to farmers and threatens national food security.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, stated, “It has come to our attention that some unscrupulous informal traders and hardware stores are selling counterfeit seeds branded with reputable companies’ logos at lower prices compared to original certified seeds from authorized dealers. This malicious practice not only causes financial losses to farmers but also jeopardizes food security and the agricultural sector in the country.”
The counterfeit seeds are designed to deceive farmers, packaged to closely resemble authentic products from Seed Co, one of the leading seed producers in Zimbabwe. “Seed Co has also been affected as unscrupulous syndicates are selling fake and counterfeit maize seed, packaged with material and logo resembling the company’s trademark,” explained Mafudze, head of the Security Department for Seed Co.
Last year, ZRP and Seed Co collaborated to apprehend 35 individuals involved in selling counterfeit seeds, managing to recover 35 tonnes of fake products in the process.
In response to the escalating issue, ZRP and Seed Co are currently executing a nationwide operation aimed at rooting out the illegal trade in counterfeit seeds. Nyathi reinforced the agency’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Seed Act, Chapter 19:13, declaring, “As ZRP, we are going to ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour on individuals, syndicates, and traders found selling fake or counterfeit maize seed.”
Given the potential damages wrought by these counterfeit vendors, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing seeds. Farmers are advised to buy from reputable dealers, authorized distributors, or directly from certified seed producers to mitigate risks.
ZRP has established a reporting framework for the public to assist in this crackdown: “Members of the public should feel free to report suspects who are packaging and selling counterfeit maize seed on the following numbers PGHQ National Complaints Desk (0242)703631, Harare Operations (0242)748836, Bulawayo Operations (0292)885479 or on WhatsApp number 0712800197,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
The ongoing efforts represent a critical response to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and protect the integrity of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector amid a backdrop of growing concerns over food security in the region.