Accra: The Seed Systems Group (SSG), an African-based science-driven non-profit organisation, is amplifying its efforts to enhance farmers' access to improved pearl millet and cowpea varieties in a bid to boost agricultural productivity and food security in northern Ghana. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI).
According to Ghana News Agency, this intervention is part of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils programme, backed by funding from the United States of America, with the aim of fortifying seed systems. The programme ensures that improved crop varieties developed by researchers are efficiently distributed to farmers, thereby promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and supporting sustainable agricultural systems.
As part of these efforts, approximately 50 agro-input dealers from the Upper East and North-East Regions attended a three-day training workshop aimed at improving their technical knowledge in areas such as seed handling, business management, record keeping, and compliance with regulations governing Ghana's seed industry. Dr Issoufou Kapran, President of SSG, highlighted that the organisation is operational in 15 countries to strengthen seed systems and improve farmers' access to quality planting materials.
Dr Kapran noted that while scientists continue to develop improved crop varieties, many do not reach farming communities due to weaknesses in seed distribution systems. He emphasized that agro-dealers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers, necessitating their technical capacity to educate farmers on the benefits of improved seeds.
Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture, underscored the importance of quality seeds as the cornerstone of crop production and food security. He stated that the training would empower agro-dealers to provide farmers with appropriate advice on seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides.
Furthermore, Ms Gertrude G. Sazito, Upper East Regional Agricultural Officer at the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department (PPRSD), reiterated the department's commitment to ensuring that only certified and quality seeds reach the market, thus improving agricultural productivity and safeguarding farmers' investments.