By Albert Futukpor
Nyankpala (N/R), July 3, GNA – A five month-long intensive training in hybrid maize seed production to equip a new cohort of young men and women agripreneurs with critical skills to strengthen seed systems in the country has ended.
It comprised hands-on training involving classroom sessions and field demonstrations, participants numbering 10, were drawn from nine seed companies with many already planning to start their own hybrid maize seed enterprises.
The initiative was aimed at building local capacity for high-quality seed production as part of broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
It was organised by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) under the auspices of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), and funded by the World Bank-supported Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).
Dr Gloria Boakyewaa Adu, Lead Facilitator of Training, speaking during the graduation of the trainees at Nyankpala near Tamale, said, “We didn’t just teach theory. We walked the fields. Trainees learned to identify male and female rows, follow planting patterns, practise detasseling and rogueing, and manage irrigation and pest control.”
She added that the knowledge shared was practical and in-depth ensuring participants were fully equipped to produce hybrid maize seeds independently.
Mr George Prah, a Representative of MoFA/FSRP, underscored the rising demand for hybrid maize seeds across the country and beyond.
He said, “This is not just about producing seed; it’s about creating businesses and opportunities. The market for hybrid maize is expanding rapidly. We need you to step in, produce quality seeds, and learn to brand and market them effectively.”
Dr Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI, emphasised SARI’s commitment to driving innovation and youth engagement in agriculture.
He said, “We are proud of this partnership with FSRP and MoFA. We want you, our trainees, to consider yourselves as partners in progress. Link up with agribusinesses, leverage what you’ve learned, and help Ghana achieve food security and build resilient farming systems.”
The participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted the relevance of the training.
Trisha Akoriba Yusontaa, a participant from Upper West Region, said, “As a young woman, I never thought I could become a seed producer. This training has given me confidence and direction. I am going to put everything I have learned here into practice. I know I can now become a big seed producer in my area.”
Francis Anarfofrom, a participant from the Upper East Region, described the training as a life-changing experience saying “I now understand the science behind seed production and have started preparing my field for the next planting season.”
As the participants returned to their communities, CSIR-SARI and MoFA will continue to provide technical support to ensure that the knowledge imparted onto them translate into viable seed production enterprises capable of meeting both local and national seed demand.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Christian Akorlie