By Delicious Mathuthu
Bulawayo – Zimbabwe has mooted modernizing its seed certification system aimed to boost agricultural productivity and food security in the country, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri has said.
He said this during a Write-Shop in Bulawayo on Friday to review, update and realign Zimbabwe’s seed certification regulatory frameworks, at the Holiday Inn.
The move, Prof. Jiri said, comes as the government recognizes the critical role that seed certification plays in ensuring the quality and viability of seeds used by farmers.
He said seed security is essential for the country in achieving food security and economic growth.
“Seeds are not merely agricultural inputs; they are the foundation of our agricultural systems, impacting everything from productivity to resilience in the face of climate change,” Prof. Jiri said.
The current seed certification process in Zimbabwe plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and viability of seeds, he said.
He said the sector is constantly evolving with new technologies, changing climate conditions, and shifting market demands, which requires equally dynamic regulatory frameworks.
Zimbabwe is currently aiming to assess the effectiveness of its seed certification regulations, incorporate best practices from other regions, engage stakeholders, enhance accessibility and adapt to innovation.
Prof. Jiri said the new developments will involve reviewing and updating the Seed Certification Scheme Notice 2000, which has been in place for the past 25 years.
Zimbabwe’s seed industry is a national pride, he said, with the country exporting certified seeds to various African countries and beyond.
Zimbabwe also has signed several regional and international agreements, Prof. Jiri revealed, including the OECD international seed certification schemes and the SADC Memorendum of Understanding on the Harmonization of Seed Regulatory System.
The write-shop was attended by stakeholders from the public and private sectors including farmers, researchers, policymakers and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
