NaSTAG calls for investment to boost seed sector

The fifth National Seed Business and Networking Forum, SEEDLINK 2024, has called for increased investment in the seed sector to enhance the quality and accessibility of seeds crucial for building a robust and resilient agricultural system.

Organised by the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other stakeholders, the two-day event focused on ‘Unlocking Sustainable Financing Opportunities for Agricultural Resilience and a Robust Seed Value Chain in Ghana’. Discussions emphasised the need to improve seed production, marketing and distribution to strengthen food security and economic transformation.

Key issues and recommendations

Challenges in the sector include low adoption of improved seeds due to inadequate extension services, high costs and weak value chains. Counterfeit seeds also affect market trust, with demand for certified seeds often exceeding supply.

NaSTAG President, Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu, called for better seed quality control and certification processes. He also highlighted the need for regulatory improvements and farmer education to combat counterfeit products and promote innovation.

Agricultural Economist, Dr. Shaibu Azumah Baanni, urged the adoption of advanced technology to improve seed processing, storage and distribution.

The National Seed Plan is being revised to address these challenges, with stakeholders collaborating to promote the adoption of certified seeds and improve the sector’s efficiency.

Government and partner support

MoFA’s Deputy Director of Crop Services, Dr. Harry Bleppony, representing the Minister for Food and Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in agriculture to boost food production, create jobs and reduce poverty.

Policy LINK, a global Feed the Future programme by USAID, is supporting efforts to strengthen local actors and improve food security policies.

Director of PPRSD, Mr. Eric Bentsil Quaye, pledged to ensure sustainable and efficient plant protection services to boost food and raw material production.

The forum brought together experts, farmers, financial institutions and other stakeholders, signaling collective efforts to address challenges and ensure a sustainable seed sector for Ghana’s agricultural future.