ZIMBABWE’S sesame sector is under pressure from smuggling and unlicensed buyers, with foreign traders being accused of disadvantaging contractors.
Industry players say buyers, mainly from Mozambique, offer farmers cash prices below contract rates without providing inputs, fuelling side-marketing and undermining formal contractors.
Authorities have moved to clamp down on the practice with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Ama) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) seizing more than 15 600kg of illegally traded sesame since the 2026 buying season began.
The joint operation targets a smuggling syndicate moving the crop to Mozambique through illegal border points, particularly in Mbire district.
It also aims to stop side-marketing and unlicensed buying.
The seized haul of 15 658kg valued at about US$11 400 has been auctioned.
Three major interceptions occurred this month: 1 692kg in Mbire on May 17, 4 800kg in Chiredzi on May 22 and 9 166kg in Mbire later the same day.
Law enforcement agents issued fines amounting to US$5 000.
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Like tobacco, sesame is grown under contract, where licensed companies provide seed, chemicals and finance.
But unregistered buyers reap high margins without injecting capital, players said.
“Since they are getting the crop for free, their profit margins are high. They are not answerable to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on retention fees pegged at 70% forex and 30% local currency. It’s cruel to us,” a source told NewsDay yesterday.
Ama chief executive Alice Mapfiza warned of zero tolerance to illegal buying, side-marketing and smuggling.
“Anyone found buying sesame seeds without Ama registration risks prosecution, confiscation of produce and penalties under the governing regulations,” she said.
Ama data shows registered contractors and buyers purchased 465 843kg of sesame this season, injecting about US$372 674 into the agricultural economy.
The authority urged farmers to sell only to registered and licensed buyers to avoid exploitation and contract disputes.
