The Maize Research Institute (MRI) has expressed displeasure at the rising number of illegal seed dealers who are supplying fake seeds to farmers in Southern Province.
MRI Mazabuka distributor Gilbert Vlahakis took a swipe at the illegal seed dealers who have invaded Southern Province.
Mr. Vlahakis was speaking during a sensitization meeting for this season’s farmer input support programme (FISP) attended by senior agricultural officers and district agriculture committee chairpersons in the province at Munzhi Lodge in Choma.
He said that 18 cases of fake seed dealers in the province have so far been identified, from whom two to three metric tonnes of fake seeds have been confiscated.
Mr. Vlahakis further said Southern Province has been targeted by brief case seed dealers who are taking advantage of the fact that region has the highest users of high breed seeds.
He cited the indent in Chikankanta area where farmers were swindled by briefcase dealers who sold them 83 bags of fake seeds purported to have been supplied by MRI.
Mr. Vlahakis warned that the problem of illegal seed suppliers will soon reach alarming levels if left unchecked.
He urged senior agricultural officers in the province to work closely with seed companies and Seed Control and Certification Institutes to arrest the situation.
Mr. Vlahakis explained that fake seed dealers have become sophisticated as they are using bags, labels and chemicals also used by licensed seed companies when marketing their fake seeds.
He expressed sadness to note that 9 cases of illegal seed dealers who were arrested by the police in the province last season were not taken to court despite overwhelming evidence being available.
The senior agricultural officers endorsed a decision to have fake seed dealers prosecuted, by invoking the seed control and certification Act.
They unanimously resolved to take punitive action against illegal seed dealers through the courts of law, to ensure that the vice is addressed.
[NAIS/ZANIS]
Expect food crisis soon!!!!! Pa Zed
Please make sure they are not Genetically modified seeds (GM) as this can spoil Zambia’s land. The Ministry of agriculture needs to supply a licence to all seed and maize dealers . Good idea as this will generate money for the Ministry when they pay for a licence to trade. Inspectors should check the supply . Make sure there are heavy fines for illegal maize buying and fake seeds.