National Association for Small-holder Farmers (NASFA) Executive Director, Frank Kayula, has emphasised the need for farmers to purchase seeds from known seed outlets in order to avoid purchasing counterfeit seeds.
Speaking in an interview with the media in Lusaka, Dr Kayula said there is a need for code numbers to be inserted in seed bags.
He explained that the same code numbers will enable farmers to know if the seeds are genuine or not.
Dr Kayula also noted the need to stiffen punishment for individuals found selling fake seeds on the market, stating that it affects farmer’s livelihoods including their production capacity.
He further indicated that the Association has developed an app that requires seed companies to register all their outlets in every district.
“If a group of farmers want to buy seeds, they simply click on the app and enter the details such as the district, the seed company and the type of seed they are looking for, then the app will let them know which outlet to purchase the seed from,” Dr Kayula explained.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Expert, Oliver Bulaya, urged farmers to pay attention to the packaging of seeds.
Dr Bulaya observed that counterfeit seeds lack appropriate labels and some have the same serial numbers which should not be the case.
He further stated that fake seeds can be identified through the unusual smell due to the poor quality.
Dr Bulaya stressed the need for regulators to monitor what is happening on the seed market and provide the standards required for seed.
He added that experts may further conduct an analysis on the seeds.
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