National Seed Council calls for stronger seed value chain to boost food security

The National Seed Council has urged for enhanced cooperation among government regulators, research institutions, private seed companies, and agro-dealers to fortify the seed sector and enhance agricultural productivity in Ghana. Alhaji Mumuni Abubakari, the Council's Chairman, made this appeal during a stakeholder meeting in Walewale, North East Region, as part of the Council's nationwide assessment of seed production, distribution, and certification.

The Council's visit aimed to evaluate the current state of the seed value chain, identify obstacles, and uncover opportunities that may impact farmers' access to high-quality seeds. Quality seed, being time-sensitive, plays a pivotal role in farmers' success and Ghana's food security objectives.

Alhaji Abubakari emphasized that the Council is examining the capabilities of local seed producers, the efficiency of distribution networks, and the certification process' effectiveness. The sector continues to grapple with infrastructure issues, such as insufficient modern seed processing and cold storage facilities, and the growing influence of climate variability.

However, the Council has pinpointed potential opportunities for private-sector investment and the utilization of digital technologies, including electronic seed tracking and authentication, to combat counterfeit seeds in the market. The Council is also working to expedite the launch and multiplication of improved seed varieties developed by research institutions.

Despite these advancements, the Council aims to streamline the National Variety Release and Registration Committee's processes and bolster the multiplication pipeline from breeder seed to foundation seed and ultimately certified seed, ensuring farmers' access to high-quality seeds.

Government support for the seed sector is evident through free fertiliser and Nkoko nkititi distribution under the Feed Ghana Programme, strategic investment in climate-sensitive borehole irrigation, and the vegetable sector, particularly tomato production. The government is also collaborating with research institutions to develop tomato varieties capable of ensuring a steady supply throughout the year.

Additionally, the Council is fortifying seed traceability systems to enable farmers to trace the origin of the seeds they purchase and utilize.

Alhaji Abubakari urged seed producers to adopt sustainable production and management practices. He emphasized the importance of building a resilient seed sector through deliberate partnerships among government regulators, research scientists, private seed companies, and agro-dealers. The Council called on stakeholders to transform this engagement into concrete action rather than mere discussions.