First runner-up, 2017 national best farmer, Madam Mabel Ann Akoto Cudjoe is calling on government to set up seed banks to assist small holder farmers who find it difficult to afford improved seeds.
According to her, the imported improved seeds available in the country are very expensive and cannot even be used for replanting, making it difficult for small holder farmers who cannot afford credit facilities from financial institutions to stay in the farming business.
Ghana has passed a seed law that aims to increase the availability of improved seed varieties to farmers by providing more opportunities to the private sector.
The failure of government to purchase seedlings for the seed banks for storage and onward distribution to local farmers is threatening the food security and sovereignty of the country.
Speaking in an interview with Captain Adabugar during the Akuafo Sesen segment of the Rite Morning Ride on Tuesday to share her views on strategies to use to increase farm productivity, Madam Akoto Cudjoe suggested that government must invest in seed production to address the challenge.
“Government needs to invest in seed production by establishing seed banks locally which is affordable by small holder farmers and can also be used for replanting because the imported improved seeds are very expensive,” she suggested.
The First runner-up of the 2017 national best farmer awards who said she runs her own seed bank made up of organics which she supplies to three thousand two hundred (3200) out growers who are all small holder farmers working under her said she is also educating them on agronomy and mechanization.
The liberalization of commercial seed systems has largely been seen as an essential means of improving agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. Yet, access to improved seed varieties has remained a major constraint in many countries in spite of liberalisation and other reform efforts.
Source; Prince Paul Amuzu/www.ritefmonline.org/princeamuzu667@mail.com
