The Real Reason Zimbabwe’s Farmers Buy Fake Seed
A shocking seed scam has been uncovered in Mbare, leaving farmers devastated. The elaborate fraud involves repackaging ordinary grain to look like certified seed. According to a prominent agro-dealer, the scam preys on a critical vulnerability: many Zimbabwean farmers have no idea what genuine seed should actually cost, making them easy targets for criminals offering unrealistically low prices.
The Crux Of The Con: Price Confusion
The conversation ignited on the social media platform X after a government official detailed the scam on 22 November 2025. The very next day, an agro-dealer known as Agronomybae explained why the deception is so effective. She revealed that the high, yet legitimate, cost of seed from official suppliers creates a perception that retailers are overcharging. This price confusion drives farmers towards cheaper, fraudulent alternatives.
Agronomybae stated:
Many farmers don’t know the actual prices of genuine seed. So when we say a 10kg bag costs US$38 (approximately R720), after getting it for US$36.50 (approximately R690) from the seed house — it looks like we’re overcharging, and most walk away. But that price confusion is exactly what leads farmers to fall for fake seed sold at unrealistically low prices.
A Retailer’s Dilemma: Justifying The Cost
The agro-dealer further illuminated the difficult position legitimate sellers face. With very low profit margins, they bear the burde