Beware of purchasing fake maize seed, fertilisers

THE farming season has kicked- off and hopes are high among farmers as the Met Department has predicted that rainfall will be above average this season.

Currently, the rains are falling in various parts of the country and farmers are seen busy in the fields preparing the fields.

Sadly, Commercial Crimes Division, a section mandated to investigate all economic crimes, fraud and theft cases of high magnitude has already received for investigation fraud cases involving sale and supply of fake seeds and fertilizer to unsuspecting victims.

In light of the said crime, farmers advised to be extra vigilant when they buy farming inputs so that they don’t buy fake inputs which has serious consequences on output or yields.

Criminals take advantage of the high demand for seeds and fertilizers.

The criminals repackage the fake seeds and fertilizers in bags of registered seed and fertilizer companies.

The packaging of reputable and well-known companies is obtained either through theft or collusion with the companies’ workers. This is what makes it difficult for farmers to detect the fraud.

Farmers buy seeds and fertilizers according to specified anticipated yield by the producing company.

So, where fake seeds and fertilizers are used, no matter how good the rains maybe, the harvest will be poor.

In this light, fraud involving the production and sale of fake seeds/fertilizers is a threat to national food security.

On yearly basis, cases involving fake seeds and fertilizers are normally not many, but the effect or impact is huge.

Fake farm inputs quickly find their way into the black market because they are sold at very low prices. And because they are readily available and cheap, many farmers opt to buy them.

Some examples of scams involving fake seeds and fertilizers are; Packing uncertified seed in bags of registered companies. Blending fertilizers.

Mixing fertilizers with anthill granules and packaging them in bags of registered companies. Colour-coating seeds to make them appear genuine. Currently, Commercial Crimes Division is investigating a case of fake fertilizers involving over 300 bags with a total prejudice of 18 000.

Two fraudsters involved in the scam were arrested after being found blending Windmill compound D, Superfert Compound D, and Superfert Cotton Blend with anthill soil in 50kg bags.

In order to prevent incidences of purchasing fake seeds and fertilizers, farmers may consider some of the following measures;

Seeds and fertilizers must not be purchased from the black market or street vendors as chances are high of buying fake inputs. Seeds and fertilizers must be bought directly from registered manufacturers, and or their registered agents.

Buy or secure farming inputs well in time and avoid last-minute buying which may lead to buying fake inputs.

Be wary of purchases done through social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook as chances are high that their account handles might have been hacked or manipulated. Immediately report to the police when you suspect someone is selling fake seeds and fertilizers. Participate in the fight against fraud of counterfeit farming inputs. Think Security. Watch out for the next issue.

For your feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail:teezmuleya@gmail.com. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the CID Commercial Crimes Division. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.