Wenchi: The National Seed Traders Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has launched its 10th anniversary with a call on the government to invest in the nation's seed sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Seidu Abdulai Mubarak emphasized that quality seeds are essential to enhancing the nation's agricultural productivity and food security. Speaking at the launch of the anniversary in Wenchi in the Bono region, Mr. Mubarak highlighted the event as a reflection of a decade of resilience, partnerships, and progress in the seed sector.
The anniversary theme, 'Decade of resilience and innovation: Building stronger partnerships for Ghana's food security', underscores the importance of collective efforts in advancing agricultural development. Mr. Mubarak explained that the Association aims to boost NaSTAG's visibility, showcase achievements, and solidify its role through private sector participation.
He emphasized the importance of bringing together actors and stakeholders in the seed value chain, strengthening regulatory systems, and ensuring farmers access quality and certified seeds. Mr. Mubarak stated, 'Today, we stand as evidence that collaboration, even in the face of challenges, can transform an entire sector', highlighting NaSTAG's role over the past decade in shaping the country's seed ecosystem.
Mr. Mubarak mentioned achievements such as seed traceability systems that improve transparency and reduce counterfeit seed circulation. The development of a national seed producer catalogue has also made it easier for farmers to identify credible sources, contributing to a National Seed Plan and aligning stakeholders around a shared vision for the sector.
He noted the creation of 'seedlink', a platform that amplifies the seed sector's influence on policy decisions, and the continued training of smallholder farmers. These efforts foster unity, knowledge sharing, and growth within the seed sector. Mr. Mubarak stressed the need for strengthened partnerships between the government, private sector, development partners, and farmers to advance food productivity.
'Advancing national food security isn't the responsibility of one institution, but a shared national priority', Mr. Mubarak stated, assuring NaSTAG's dedication to ensuring farmers access climate-resilient seeds to improve yields and livelihoods.