Editorial: Unlock potential of local seed industry

The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) is raising concerns over the precarious state of the country’s seed industry, urging stakeholders to implement urgent policies to revitalise the sector and unlock its potential.

The domestic seed industry, despite having a potential market value of over US$500million, is underperforming significantly – with a large portion of the country’s seed needs being met through imports.

While the global seed market is worth over US$70billion, Africa accounts for just US$1.9billion with Ghana playing a minimal role in the global industry. NaSTAG president Dr. Amos Azinu disclosed that this does not bode well for the local industry, despite its significant potential and favourable climate for growth.

Consequently, the Association has written to Food and Agriculture Minister Mr. Eric Opoku asking that the local seed industry be given priority as part of the new government’s key policies. NaSTAG has recommended the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to establish three seed economic enclaves in the country’s southern, middle and northern regions.

These enclaves, the association argues, will streamline seed development, production, processing, storage and distribution.

According to NaSTAG, the enclaves will provide platforms for enhanced research and development, increased breeding programme funding as well as developing climate-resilient, nutritionally enhanced and locally adapted seed varieties.

This initiative will reduce seed import dependence, improve food security and increase farmers’ income.

Additionally, Ghana’s private seed sector remains underdeveloped, with limited investment, lack of incentives and regulatory hurdles hindering growth. Only a few companies engage in seed production and distribution, resulting in limited competition and innovation within the sector.

Limited access to credit, high interest rates and a lack of tailored financial products all hinder growth and innovation.

Public institutions responsible for seed regulation, research and distribution lack resources and efficiency.

Seed production in Ghana has been on a subsistence level and farming is mainly rain-fed. As a result, food production and yield has been varying as per the availability of seeds.

Also, with climate changes and uncertainty in rainfall pattern over recent years, seed production has dropped drastically and had a resultant effect on food production – which is threatening food security in Ghana.

Opportunities exist for scaling up and sustaining production of improved seed varieties in the country and the private sector is particularly welcome to exploit these opportunities in the seed value chain – for profit, to increase the availability of improved seed varieties for food production and to ensure food security in Ghana.

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