The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has applauded the government’s swift response to the recent grain glut, in which the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) instructed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains from farmers.
In a press release issued on September 25, NaSTAG President Seidu Abdulai Mubarak praised the move as an immediate relief measure for farmers facing post-harvest losses and depressed prices due to market oversupply.
“The decision to resource NAFCO to mop up excess grains is a commendable step that will provide immediate relief to our farmers facing the threat of post-harvest losses and depressed prices due to an anticipated market glut.
This action demonstrates a commitment to stabilising the agricultural sector and safeguarding farmers’ incomes, for which we are grateful,” the statement read.
While welcoming this intervention, NaSTAG called for broader policy reforms to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s seed industry and agricultural sector.
The association emphasized the need for targeted subsidies and seed voucher programs to facilitate farmers’ access to quality seeds.
NaSTAG also highlighted the importance of long-term strategies focusing on import substitution and export promotion. “Ghana must aggressively pursue policies that reduce the nation’s reliance on imported grains and seeds.
By strengthening local seed production systems and supporting farmers to increase yields and quality, we can meet a greater share of our domestic demand with home-grown produce, conserving foreign exchange and building a more resilient food system,” the release noted.
Regarding export potential, the association stressed that developing competitive international markets for Ghanaian grains would absorb excess supply while generating revenue across the agricultural value chain, benefiting seed producers, farmers, aggregators, and processors alike.
The statement also drew attention to challenges facing the seed sector, warning that unsold seed stocks and high production costs could threaten next season’s planting.
“If these seed stocks are not cleared, it will severely impact the capacity of seed companies to produce for the next planting season, potentially leading to a seed shortage and undermining the productivity gains needed to achieve food security,” it said.
NaSTAG concluded by reaffirming its commitment to collaborating with the government and relevant agencies to develop comprehensive policies aimed at creating a sustainable, profitable, and resilient agricultural sector in Ghana.
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