Investment in seed sector crucial for increased agricultural productivity

Calls are being made for increased investment in the seed sector to enhance the quality and accessibility of seeds crucial for building a robust and resilient agricultural system.

The fifth National Seed Business and Networking Forum – SEEDLINK 2024 organised by the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other stakeholders – focused on ‘Unlocking Sustainable Financing Opportunities for Agricultural Resilience and a Robust Seed Value Chain in Ghana’.

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.

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

To this end, 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.

Improved, high-yielding seeds are scientifically developed to produce more crops per unit area. These seeds are often bred for resistance to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and lowering production costs.

Higher yields translate to greater income for farmers. By adopting improved seeds, farmers can enhance their livelihoods, reduce poverty and contribute to the national economy.

Quality improved seeds remain one of the cardinal ingredients to achieving food self-sufficiency and poverty reduction.

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