Accra, Ghana//-The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has officially taken delivery of 5,000 bags of fertilizers from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and distributed to its members nationwide.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster agricultural productivity under the flagship Feed Ghana Programme.
Commenting on the gesture in a press release issued and signed by the President of NaSTAG, Mubarak Seidu Abdulai assured that the fertilizer support would directly benefit NaSTAG members—seed producers and value chain actors—by equipping them with the critical inputs needed to produce high-quality, certified seeds.
NaSTAG believes this timely intervention will strengthen the domestic seed industry, improve farmers’ access to improved varieties, and ultimately reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported seeds, he added.
“NaSTAG shows its immense appreciation and is grateful to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and the entire Ministry for this indispensable support”.
Mr Abdulai emphasised the delivery could not have come at a more appropriate time. It directly aligns with the Minister’s vision of driving a self-sustaining food production system.
“By empowering seed producers with these inputs, we are collectively building the foundation for food security and ensuring that our members can produce the quality seeds needed to feed the nation”, he stated.
The association reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the government’s agricultural transformation agenda. NaSTAG views its role as a critical partner in the Feed Ghana Programme.
While expressing appreciation for the current support, NaSTAG also respectfully appeals to the Ministry to consider adding more quantities to what has already been provided, as additional inputs would further accelerate seed production and extend the benefits to more members across the country.
The association further called on MoFA to give more recognition to NaSTAG in key consultations on seed-related matters, as the private sector’s voice is essential in shaping policies that directly affect seed production and distribution.
NaSTAG also advocated stronger collaboration between the two bodies on seed procurement, believing that a more coordinated approach would enhance transparency and timely delivery of quality seeds to farmers.
NaSTAG appealed to the Ministry to assist in the uptake of unsold seed stock held by its members, as such support would ease significant financial pressures on seed producers and enable them to reinvest more in future production cycles.
“NaSTAG stands ready to collaborate further with the Ministry to realise its objectives, particularly in ensuring the availability of affordable, high-quality seeds to farmers.
NaSTAG is eager to provide the required quantities of seeds to the Ministry when called upon”.
The association recently announced a landmark 20-25% price reduction on certified seeds to alleviate financial burdens on farmers and accelerate the adoption of improved varieties.
This partnership with MoFA is expected to amplify these efforts, the NaSTAG president said.
