By Harare24 staff reporter
Harare, Zimbabwe – Police and agricultural officials swooped on a stall in Mbare’s bustling market on Tuesday, confiscating several bags of counterfeit maize seed that were being sold as certified varieties. The operation, led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Economic Crimes Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, follows complaints from local farmers who discovered the seeds failed to germinate after planting.
“These fake seeds not only cheat hard‑working farmers out of their money but also threaten food security,” said Detective Inspector Samuel Nkomo, who led the raid. “We are urging anyone who bought suspect seed to report it immediately and to verify the product through the official seed certification system.”
The seized consignments were labeled with brand names that mimic reputable seed companies, but laboratory tests revealed a mixture of low‑grade grain and filler material. Officials estimate the illicit trade could have defrauded dozens of small‑scale growers in the Mbare area, where maize is a staple crop.
Agriculture extension officers are now visiting farms in the surrounding districts to assess any damage and advise on remedial measures. The ministry has also set up a hotline for farmers to verify seed authenticity before purchase.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb the sale of counterfeit agricultural inputs across Zimbabwe, with authorities promising further raids as investigations continue.