ZRP Warns Unscrupulous Informal Traders Who Sell Counterfeit Maize Seeds
By Desire Tshuma
As the 2024-2025 farming season commences , the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Seed Co have noted with concern, the sell of counterfeit maize seeds by informal traders and individuals to unsuspecting farmers throughout the country.
“It has come to our attention that some unscrupulous informal traders and hardware stores are selling counterfeit seeds branded with reputable companies’ logo 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,” said ZRP Chief Staff Officer, Press and Public Relations Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“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 trade mark and branded to deceive customers” said Mafudze head of Security Department for Seed Co.
Seed Co has its recognized markets that sell its seeds and is in partnership with other recognized supermarkets that sell its seeds countrywide. Last year ZRP and Seed Co managed to arrest 35 people who were selling counterfeit seeds and they recovered 35 tonnes of fake seeds.
Currently ZRP and Seed Co agronomists are conducting a nationwide operation to identify and arrest those selling fake seeds.
“As ZRP we are going to provisions of Seed Act, Chapter 19:13 and ensure that the law take its course without fear or favour on individuals, syndicates and traders found selling fake or counterfeit maize seed,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
As a result of the fake seeds traders, ZRP is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing seeds to ensure they buy seeds from reputable dealers, authorized distributors or directly from certified seed producers.
“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,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
