The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has announced its plan to roll out a seed tracking system in 2024, as part of its efforts to boost the certification and distribution of rice seeds while combating seed adulteration.
According to MOFA, it has become necessary for a system which can detect fake seeds to be introduced as farmers increasingly demand high-quality seeds for local rice farming, which will ultimately improve their yields and harvests.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, shared this information during an international symposium on rice seed certification and distribution in Accra. He also unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the entire rice seed value chain.
“My Ministry has taken some steps and initiatives to improve the rice seed value chain. We have implemented a seed tracking system on a pilot basis to reduce seed adulteration and faking. We are also building the capacity of seed certification officers and other stakeholders. We are providing improved seed storage and warehousing and cold rooms and also improving the marketing and distribution channels.”
The Minister also disclosed that some notable donor agencies have expressed support for Ghana’s rice sector to increase the harvest.
“It is significant to note that international donor agencies have also expressed their support in the rice sector in some aspects of its value chain to transform it to acceptable standards. Worth mentioning is KOPIA which is going to support the country through the provision of necessary machinery and equipment to further improve the quality of rice seeds in four irrigation schemes.”
Secretary General of the Korean Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), Dr. Chang Ancheol pledged that it will keep supporting Ghana to become self-sufficient in rice cultivation.
