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Zimbabwe’s primary maize seed manufacturer, Seed Co, is warning farmers that counterfeit maize seed bearing the company’s name is being sold countrywide.
The company has now sought help from the police to identify individuals behind the scam, and shops that are selling the fake seed.
In a statement on Monday, police said the counterfeited maize seed is being sold “openly to unsuspecting farmers.”
“Some of the maize seed is being sold through informal markets and hardwares in various parts of the country. Unscrupulous syndicates are selling fake and counterfeit maize seed packaged with material and logo resembling Seed Co’s trademark and brand, obviously this being done to lure customers,” national police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
Some of the counterfeit maize seed is being sold at “lower than the original certified seed normally found in established outlets and hardwares.”
Nyathi said police had launched a joint operation with Seed Co to identify the fake seed “and ensure that the law takes its course on individuals, syndicates and traders found selling fake or counterfeit maize seed.”
Police are urging farmers to assist in the identification of fake seed by calling in tips to Harare Complaints Desk on 0242-703631 or 0242-748836 or Bulawayo 0292-885479 or 0712800197. ZimLive
