The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
AN influx of uncertified and counterfeit seed maize with poor germination rate and low yields being sold at low prices to entice unsuspecting farmers has hit the market as criminal elements seek to cash in on demand during the summer cropping season preparations, The Manica Post can reveal.
Unsuspecting farmers risk accruing huge losses as the counterfeit seeds have poor germination rate, and are easily attacked by pests and diseases, leading to low yields.
The seed fraudsters, among them unscrupulous agro-dealers, are reaping off unsuspecting farmers by selling fake seed maize and underweight fertilisers.
As has become the norm every season, unscrupulous dealers take advantage of unsuspecting farmers by selling them uncertified and fake seed packaged in material from reputable seed processors.
The counterfeit seeds are packaged in packets resembling genuine seeds from reputable seed processors, making it difficult for unsuspecting farmers to distinguish them from genuinely certified seeds.
After collecting empty sacks or packaging of reputable seed producers, the fraudsters then fill them with ordinary maize seeds mixed with colouring liquid to trick farmers into believing that it is genuine seed.
Genuine seeds usually have protective seed dressing, which is designed not to easily rub off. Fake seeds have a green colouration that rubs off easily.
Farmers are lured by low prices being offered compared to those charged by reputable agro-dealers.
A 10kg bag of seed maize ranges between US$22 and US$30, depending on the variety and brand. High yielding varieties sell above US$40 per 10kg pack.
Fake seed costs US$20.
Agriseeds director of sales and marketing, Mr Ivan Craig, said counterfeit seeds have poor germination and low yield capacities compared to certified varieties.
“Sometimes it is very difficult for a farmer to detect that the seed is fake. A farmer may not know some secret features from different seed companies and won’t be able to tell until they liaise with the owners of the seed to come and identify them.
“The only thing farmers can do is to buy from reputable agro-dealers where the prices are uniform nationwide. With bogus dealers you will find that the seed is very cheap and the packaging is not standard especially the seals which are not done by a machine.
“The seed fraudsters use candle fire to seal their packs. Any farmer who suspects that the seed is not genuine must immediately contact the local extension officer, seed company or the police report because this is an offence.
“Fake seed can germinate, but the farmer will only realise the fraud during harvesting because the yield per hectare will be very low. The performance of counterfeits is low because it is easily attacked by diseases and pests,” said Mr Craig.
Efforts to get a comment from SeedCo public relations officer Ms Marjorie Mutemererwa were fruitless.
She had not responded to questions sent to her at the time of going to print.
The Manica Post understands that seed fraudsters are capitalising on the tight control and monitoring of Government sponsored inputs schemes like Pfumvudza and the CBZ Agro-Yield, popularly known as Command Agriculture.
A big chunk of farmers in Manicaland failed to qualify under Command Agriculture after failing to pay 80 percent of their 2020/21 loans, and are struggling to purchase seed maize and other inputs on the open market.
Also not to be outdone are fertiliser dealers who are selling underweight packets.
The fertiliser dealers allegedly get their supplies from unscrupulous cross-border truck drivers who steal part of the consignment they will be ferrying to different destinations.
They then package the product in packaging material of reputable fertiliser producers like ZFC and Windmill.
Investigations reveal that they usually remove 5kgs from the 50kg packs before resealing them.
A 45kg packet of fertiliser, disguised as 50kg, at Rusape Bus Terminus sells for between US$30 and US$35.
In Rusape, both counterfeit seed maize and underweight fertlisers are awash at the Hot Dos Bus Terminus as well as in unregistered agro-dealers sprouting in the CBD.
Last week, an attempt to defraud farmers from Tafadzwa Village in Headlands backfired after one of the intended victims, Mr Lyton Limbo, quickly detected that the product was fake.
“Two men driving an open truck approached me selling seed in packets resembling a genuine certified seed supplier.
“They were selling a pack of 10kg for US$20. I was ready to buy the seed maize, but when I picked up the packet, it smelt like paint, and I became suspicious. I also noticed some green paint on the packet.
“I questioned them and they became defensive before driving off in a huff. Farmers have been duped several times,” said Mr Limbo.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said no reports have been made, but urged farmers to deal with reputable suppliers of seed and fertilisers.
“We have not received any reports to that effect, but it is a punishable offence for one to sell fake seed and underweight fertiliser. We implore farmers to deal with genuine agro-dealers, and avoid buying agro-products from the streets,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
