Don’t buy uncertified seeds, farmers told

Farmers have been urged to desist from buying uncertified seeds which have a poor germination rate attributed to low yields, an official has said.

Seed Co southern region manager Mr Charles Munyoro said farmers should not buy seed from the streets and from uncertified dealers.

“There has been a high influx of fake seeds in the market which are being sold by some unscrupulous individuals,” he said.

“These fake seeds usually result in low yields most of the time. Most fake seeds have a poor germination rate and by buying such seeds, farmers risk making losses.

“As farmers prepare for winter farming season, we urge them to desist from buying seeds from unregistered and uncertified dealers. There are a lot of registered seed processors in the country and farmers are encouraged to make use of them.”

Mr Munyoro said local seed processors provide technical assistance to farmers.

“Zimbabwe is capable of producing more than enough food if we work together, and if farmers are capacitated,” he said.

“If we use good inputs, then we are guaranteed of a good output, so that we can feed ourselves and export to other counties. Actually we shouldn’t be importing grain from other countries because our farmers are capable of producing the requirements food for the country.”