According to ghana news agency:ARI), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), and private seed businesses.
A key component of the intervention is a three-day training workshop held for agro-input dealers in the Upper West Region. This workshop aims to enhance their capacity to supply high-quality cowpea and pearl millet seeds to local farmers. The training covers various aspects, including seed and input management, business management practices, and the regulatory requirements governing agro-input businesses.
Dr. Issoufou Kapran, President of Seed Systems Group, highlighted the organization's dedication to developing sustainable seed systems that ensure access to high-quality seeds of nutritious and resilient food crops for farmers in remote communities. He explained that SSG would assist scientists at the CSIR-SARI in producing foundation seeds for selected seed growers to multiply, which will then be promoted by Agricultural Extension Agents to farmers.
Dr. Kapran stated, "Our approach is to make sure that quality seed is available to farmers through a purely commercial transaction between seed companies and farmers, while ensuring that seeds are accessible within farming communities."
He emphasized the importance of agro-input dealers as crucial components in the seed value chain, noting that equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills is essential to improving farmers' access to certified seeds and agricultural inputs.
Mr. Hamid Seidu Kpiarakor of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department (PPRSD) remarked on the significance of quality seed in agricultural productivity and crop yields. He noted that the training is timely, as agro-input dealers are often the first point of contact for farmers seeking agricultural advice and inputs.
The workshop supports the PPRSD's ongoing efforts to regularly train and monitor the activities of agro-input dealers nationwide, Mr. Kpiarakor added.
Mrs. Barikisu Alhassan Jangu, Upper West Regional Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) Officer, emphasized the role of seed and agro-input dealers as the link between improved agricultural technologies and farmers. She expressed optimism that the training would enhance participants' understanding of seed certification standards, safe storage, and handling practices, thereby gaining farmers' trust.
Alhaji Antiku Abdulai, CEO of Antika Company Limited, encouraged participants to embrace the training with an open mind and leverage the knowledge-sharing opportunities. He stressed the importance of understanding seed varieties and the correct use of agricultural chemicals to provide accurate advice to farmers.