Harare, (New Ziana) –Local seed breeders, government institutions, universities, and private companies should have internationally enforceable rights to protect their intellectual property and allow them to reap fair rewards, a senior official has said.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri, said this when he officially opened a validation meeting on the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) Draft Amendment Bill in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, about 40 kilometers north of Harare on Tuesday.
The meeting was held to discuss legislation that shapes the future foundation of agricultural innovation, food security, and rural prosperity in the country.
“A robust plant breeders’ rights system underpins a formal, regulated seed sector. This translates to greater availability of high-quality, certified seed of diverse, improved varieties for our farmers, boosting yields and profitability. “
We recognise that innovation must serve the public good. This Bill consciously seeks to balance the legitimate rights of breeders with the essential needs and practices of our farming communities, particularly regarding farmers’ privilege, and the imperative of conserving our rich plant genetic resources,” said Jiri.
He noted that for decades, the ingenuity of plant breeders in research institutions, universities, and increasingly, the private sector has been the bedrock of agricultural progress in the country.
“From drought-tolerant maize to disease-resistant legumes, their work feeds our nation and fuels our economy. Yet, the current legal framework governing the protection of their intellectual property, the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, is a product of a different era.
While it served a purpose, it is now out of step with critical realities that include using modern breeding techniques, clear, robust, and predictable intellectual property protection to justify significant investments.
“Zimbabwe faces unprecedented challenges, including climate change, population growth, and the urgent need for sustainable rural development. Unlocking greater investment in seed technology is non-negotiable for enhancing productivity, resilience, and farmer incomes. This Amendment Draft Bill is, therefore, not an option, but a strategic necessity. It represents our commitment to building a modern, competitive, and equitable agricultural sector,” he said.
Jiri added that to access the best varieties developed globally and to allow Zimbabwean-bred excellence to compete internationally, farmers and other players in the agriculture sector should align with internationally recognised standards, particularly the 1991 Act of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 91).
Representatives of organisations such as the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZSA), Zimbabwe Plant Breeders’ Association (ZPBA), farmers’ unions and seed companies attended the Plant Breeders’ Rights Amendment Draft Bill Validation meeting.
When enacted, the Bill is expected to stimulate investment and innovation by creating a secure environment that attracts significant public and private investment into local plant breeding, accelerating the development of varieties adapted to Zimbabwe’s unique challenges, that include drought, pests, diseases, and evolving market demands.
It will also enable farmers and seed companies to legally access the very best varieties from around the world, bringing cutting-edge genetics to their fields. The Plant Breeders’ Rights Act was enacted in 1972, and its latest amendments were made in 2002.
New Ziana
