The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has welcomed the government’s intervention in the recent grain glut, in which the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains from farmers in the country.
In a press release issued on 25th September by the President of NaSTAG, Seidu Abdulai Mubarak, the Association referred to an earlier statement from MoFA regarding the deployment of NAFCO to purchase surplus grains.
Although NaSTAG appreciated the government’s immediate action, it called for broader policy reforms to safeguard the country’s agricultural sector.
“We therefore call on the Government to engage with NaSTAG to explore immediate interventions, such as targeted subsidies or seed voucher programs, to facilitate farmers’ access to quality seeds and ensure the sustainability of the seed industry.”
The Association further stated, “The decision to resource NAFCO to mop up excess grains is a commendable step that will provide immediate relief to our farmers, who are 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.”
While welcoming this necessary short-term measure, NaSTAG strongly believes that a more sustainable solution lies in implementing robust, long-term policies.
According to the Association, the current situation underscores the urgent need for a clear policy direction focused on two critical areas: import substitution and encouraging exports.
“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, conserve foreign exchange, and build a more resilient food system,” the statement noted.
“The ultimate solution to a consistent surplus is to develop competitive export markets for Ghanaian grains. A proactive national strategy to promote Ghana’s agricultural produce internationally would not only absorb excess supply but also generate significant revenue for the country.
“Such a strategy would have a positive ripple effect along the entire agricultural value chain, from seed producers to farmers, aggregators and processors.”
NaSTAG also drew the government’s urgent attention to a critical issue preceding the grain harvest: the challenges facing the seed sector.
“Our members across the country are currently holding significant balances of unsold quality seeds, coupled with the high cost of production. 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,” the release stated.
The press release concluded with an assurance that, “NaSTAG remains a committed partner to the Government in the collective mission to transform Ghana’s agriculture.
“We stand ready to collaborate with MoFA and all relevant agencies to develop and implement the comprehensive policies necessary to create a sustainable, profitable, and resilient agricultural sector for all stakeholders.”
Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below:
