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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected] 

ZIMBABWE is set to review and update its seed certification regulatory frameworks to align with regional and international standards, a move expected to enhance seed quality, boost food production and improve food security.

The Department of Research and Specialist Services under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is holding a five-day writeshop in Bulawayo to review the country’s 25-year-old seed regulations. 

The workshop, which started yesterday, has brought together seed production specialists, ministry officials and other stakeholders to identify areas that require updates. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Seed Services Institute head Mr Edmore Mtetwa, said Zimbabwe’s seed system is already recognised by two international standard-setting bodies and two regional seed systems. However, some aspects of the current regulations, outlined in Statutory Instrument 213 of 2000, are now outdated.

“Across those four systems, there are certain standards that no longer align with our old regulations. The reason we are here today is to review, update, and realign local legislation to comply with international best practices,” said Mr Mtetwa. 

He noted that updating the framework will benefit both farmers and seed producers, enabling them to access high-quality certified seed while also ensuring that the industry can penetrate international markets. 

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development

“While we are already implementing some of these changes administratively, we want them to be reflected in the law, which is why this writeshop is crucial,” said Mr Mtetwa

He said a well-regulated seed industry is key to agricultural growth, as quality seeds are the foundation of productive farming systems.

“Seed is a cross-cutting enabler across all agricultural value chains. Our seed industry is vibrant, and we are even exporting grass seed to markets as far as the Middle East,” said Mr Mtetwa.

Through international seed certification systems, local seed producers can obtain Orange International Certificates, allowing seed consignments to cross borders without technical barriers.

With growing concerns over climate change and food security, Mr Mtetwa stressed the importance of using certified seeds to improve productivity.

“It is critical to use certified seeds. As a ministry, we have been promoting traditional grains, but even within these, we are introducing new and improved varieties that are climate-resilient,” said Mr Mtetwa. 

Speaking at the workshop, FAO ZEFPP project coordinator  Mr Zwelo Ndebele said revising the seed certification regulatory frameworks will strengthen the certification process, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality seed, increased production and better nutrition. 

“Everything we are doing aligns with the Government of Zimbabwe’s development priorities, which aim to improve livelihoods. This is a very strategic partnership for FAO in Zimbabwe,” he said.

The writeshop will be officially opened on Friday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri. — @SikhulekelaniM1.

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