The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development in Zimbabwe has rejected reports that there is a maize variety that can grow in 30 days available for sale in the country.
There are rumours on social media that sellers at Mbare Agricultural Market in Harare are selling maize seeds from China that claim to grow in just a month.
According to ZimFACT, The Ministry said the report is not true. They explained, “We have not registered any maize variety like this, and we believe there is no such seed being sold.”
They encouraged people to be sceptical of such stories and to trust information from reliable sources.
Understanding How Maize Matures
Maize varieties are developed worldwide to suit different climates and growing seasons. They are categorised based on how long they take to mature: early, middle, or late.
The quickest-growing maize hybrids usually take about 70 to 90 days to fully mature, based on factors like temperature, soil quality, and rainfall.
New farming science has created varieties of crops that can resist drought and grow quickly, but there is no reliable scientific proof that any kind of maize can fully grow and finish its life cycle in just 30 days.
The life cycle of maize has important stages: germination, growth, blooming, pollination, and grain filling. Every step is important for good growth and production, so it is unrealistic to expect everything to be ready in just 30 days with today’s farming methods.
Social Media and False Information
The picture shared on WhatsApp and Facebook claims to show packaging for a product called “30-day maize seed” from China.
Experts have doubted its authenticity because there are no brand names or certifications from known farming organisations.
The Ministry quickly rejected this claim, highlighting the need to fight lies that could confuse farmers and affect farming methods.
Mbare Agricultural Market, a centre for farming products in Harare, is being looked at more closely because of these rumours.
Vendors say they do not sell that product and stress that they only sell certified seeds from trusted sources.
Dangers of False Agricultural News
Misinformation about farm products can seriously harm farmers, as they need correct information to make good choices.
False claims about “miracle seeds” can lead to:
“Farmers might waste money on fake goods that don’t work.
Using untested seeds can result in lower crop yields, which can threaten food security.
Loss of trust: Wrong information harms faith in seed suppliers and farming support services.”
The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to providing farmers with reliable, approved seeds and information.
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Farmers are encouraged to consult with extension workers and purchase seeds from authorised sellers, ensuring they receive accurate and trustworthy guidance.
The Importance of Staying Alert
The Ministry urges farmers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of seeds before making a purchase. They are also encouraged to report any suspicious products or sellers to the authorities for investigation. By staying alert and informed, the farming community can protect themselves from the dangers of misinformation and scams, empowering them to make informed decisions.
World Overview: Quick-Growing Corn Types
Although a 30-day maize variety is not possible, experts are working on creating faster-growing crops to help with food security in areas with limited growing seasons. For instance:
In Africa, early-maturing maize hybrids, such as those created by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), can mature in 75 to 90 days.
Some rice types that grow faster have been introduced in Asia, but similar improvements have not been made for corn that takes 30 days to mature.
These innovations aim to improve crop production in harsh weather but are still based on scientific possibilities.
The government’s rejection of the 30-day maize seed rumour shows the importance of trusting confirmed information in farming.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development is a reliable source of information on approved seed types and best farming practices. By working together, the farming community and the government can effectively combat false information and protect Zimbabwe’s agriculture.
