SEED SECURITY THE SOLUTION TO FOOD SECURITY

SEED PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT.

Indeed, leaders scientists, and farmers all over the world agree that good seeds are essential for productive agriculture. Given this importance, it is essential for government to pay serious attention to the development of the seed industry.

Seed production in general entails transforming the efforts of the breeders in to adequate quantities of improved seeds for farmers. This involves the use of routine practices such as good agronomic practices, seed drying, seed processing and quality testing to achieve the objectives of giving the farmer seeds of high quality with all the inherent genetic purity as prescribed by the breeder.

Seed producers in the country are embedded with a lot of problems when going through this routine practices. Access to credit for seed producers is not in existence to say the least. Producers have to struggle through thick and thin to enable them purchase fertilizers for their crops. Land preparation is even worse since tractor services charges are even on the high side, further, labor charges on weed control, rogueing and harvesting is just unbearable. This notwithstanding, processing charges at various units are also high. To buttes this point research has shown that production  in the field before harvest represents 20% of the total cost, harvest adds another 15%, so the total field operations represents a third of the final value of  product that the farmer eventually uses. Transport to the processing plant, handling, conditioning, bagging, transport to storage or place of sale represents 65% of total cost.

Production chain is not completed when seeds are not distributed and marketed to our various farmers. Seed distribution in the country is poor hence compelling local farmers to plant their own seeds instead of buying certified seeds. Research shows that the cultivation of certified planting seeds yields between 19 – 30% better, compared to seeds saved from farmers own farm. Therefore a well functional distribution system will discourage seed adulteration. The most important element in the distribution chain is seed producers and the farmer. Farmers need to recognize the benefits of good quality seeds, it is therefore important through education and extension programs to create awareness among farmers about the benefits of using good seed; this can go along way to develop the seed market.

SEED INSPECTION UNIT

The aim of the unit among others is to ensure that registered seed growers and dealers produce and deliver adequate seed of acceptable high quality with good genetic purity to meet the demands of farmers in the country. This means a good seed should bare certain attributes in other to be certified for commercial production. Some of the attributes include the germination capacity of the seed, vigor and freedom from disease, freedom from weeds, freedom from inert matter, varietal identify, and purity. Aside these, the seed inspection unit is to monitor and supervise the production of certified seeds right from land preparation through to harvesting and further through the processing systems.

With all this responsibilities, the unit has been poorly resourced in other to undertake it’s duties in the country that is enough funds are not made available to the inspectors to go about their monitoring and supervisory activities. It is important to note that for effective monitoring, the inspector should make at least four visits per grower before processing. The question being asked is whether the procedure is being followed? Further to this, most of the regional seed laboratories lack basic equipments for germination test and purity analysis. Some inspectorates are immobile to undertake their inspection activities.

THE WAY FORWARD FOR SEED PRODUCERS

This can be identified under three major constrains

v  Provision of credit for seed production and distribution.

v  Policy to involve the ministry or private sector to purchase and distribute seeds to local farmers.

v  Specialized training events.

One way of developing the seed industry to its full potential is the provision of credit for seed production. This could be especially effective if special credit lines were setup, making funds more and easily available to seed producers or under more favorable terms. This could be in the form of inputs.

Secondly MoFA in collaboration with the private sector can purchase seeds from the producers to be redistributed to farmers at places where and when necessary. This can alleviate that burden on the producer also being a marketer of his own produce further it can motivate producers to continuously produce seeds throughout the season.

Finally, MoFA should make it a routine of organizing training events such as field trips, tours and short courses before each planting season.

THE WAY FORWARD FOR SEED INSPECTION UNIT

This can be captured under two broad issues.

v  Technical assistance and training.

v  Provision of logistics to field inspectors

v  Equipping the seed laboratories

Technical assistance has been a major constraint encountered at the seed inspectorate. As the number of seed producers in the country keeps increasing, so is the need for an increase in the technical staff. Training on the other hand should be base on the needs of a particular region.

Most of the field inspectors are poorly resourced in terms of logistics to undertake their activities. Logistics could be in the form of providing vehicles, motorbikes, fuel etc.

Updating the seed testing laboratories in the regions should be an utmost importance to the government. Apart from the National Seed Testing Laboratory which is ISTA accredited the rest lack basic equipments to facilitate their work.

I believe this and other suggestions will go along way to achieve government aim in food security through quality seed production process.

Developing the Seed Industry in Ghana.

Building and running any business is challenging, and some contend that running a seed business is harder than most. First, risks are extremely high, due largely to weather but also to the fact that the product—seed—is a fragile, living entity that continues to deteriorate through processing, storage and transportation activities. Second, financial institutions in all countries, especially in developing countries, are usually reluctant to supply working or investment capital at market rates to seed companies, particularly in the absence of collateral.This means that the founders and owners of these companies often take on major personal financial risks. Finally, the research and development needed to supply good raw materials to seed companies, specifically base genetics, have long been neglected in many African countries. The good news is that some countries are beginning to restock empty pipelines, due largely to the efforts of some extremely talented and dedicated
African scientists and the financial support of a group of enlightened governments and far-sighted donors.

This is just a starting point for seed company managers or farm managers. As with any tool, the skill is in the hands of the builder.

Africa’s smallholder farmers and their families need seed company managers who are good builders.

“Wasting even one cycle with sub-standard, low quality seed is a serious loss for the farmer and her family.”

END OF INTRO.

Developing the Seed Industry in Ghana.

Good seed companies that are committed to producing high-quality seed and educating smallholder farmers about its benefits are central to improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers have a limited number of crop cycles in their lives, generally ranging from 20 to 40 in Africa. Therefore, using the best possible seed for every crop cycle is important for farmers and their families. Many elements need to come together in order to make good seed available to Africa’s farmers. Breeding and research are two key ingredients. Other components include: 1) the seed manufacturing process, 2) the seed marketing process, and 3) the requirements for sustaining and growing a seed company. WATCH OUT FOR FILA.

Youth In Agriculture

PROGRAMME POLICY, STRATEGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
INTRODUCTION
Within the developing agenda of Ghana, agriculture is identified as one of the economic pillars. The nexus/connection between agriculture development and Ghana’s ability to achieve its food and nutrition security goals are inextricably linked.
Agriculture is important to the development of any nation, Ghana being no exception. Development must include the youth and therefore the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) seeks to encourage their participation in the agricultural sector. This effort seeks to change the negative perception the youth have of participation in agriculture, (farmers) as uneducated, unskilled, physical labourers with extremely low economic return. Modern agriculture is more than tilling the soil and animals. The sector today offers career opportunities in research, environment, financial management, engineering and other technical areas for the youth to explore.
The introduction of the Youth in Agriculture Programme (YIAP) is necessary and vital to facilitate food and nutrition security because of the following reasons but not limited to:

• There is compelling evidence of ageing farmer population in the country which must be addressed to facilitate sustainability in agriculture production. The average age of farmer in Ghana is 55 years and life expectancy averages between 55 – 60 years.
• Ghana’s food import bill for rice, cooking oil, frozen chicken and meat (have become staple food) continues to rise. If this trend continues the availability of food in Ghana in the near future will depend on imports making the country vulnerable to catastrophic events and other exogenous shocks that have negative impact on food  production from external source. The youth is strategic to the success of any effort to boost Ghana’s food production.
• The poor image of persons involved in agriculture, especially in the rural communities needs to be changed and the youth are the  ideal catalyst such change given their greater prosperity and wiliness to adapt new ideas, concept and technology which are all important to changing the way agriculture is practiced and perceived.
• Increased employment particularly rural employment is required as youth unemployment is on the increase.
• Increase productivity in agricultural sector depends on the youth who compromise about 20 – 30 of Ghana’s active population. Their energy and numbers provide tremendous opportunities for increasing agricultural productivity.
• YIAP provides productive alternatives for the engagement of the youth to reduce crime and other social problems.
• Diversified, modern farming practices.
• New crop varieties and animal strains/breeds.
• Less soil pollution since there will be regular advice and supervision from MOFA.
• Reduction in rural-urban migration.

The Youth in Agriculture Programme (YIAP) is a Government of Ghana (GOG) agricultural sector initiative with an objective of motivating the youth to accept and appreciate farming/food production as a commercial venture, thereby taking up farming as a life time vocation.
The YIAP has the task and responsibility of mobilizing the youth to take up farming and its other related activities as life time vocation. By so doing the following benefits will be derived from the employment for the youth, through the provision of tractor services and agro – inputs;
The youth in Agriculture Programme has the objective of

• Making youth accept farming as a commercial business venture;
• Generate appreciable income to meet farmers domestic and personal needs;
• Youth will improve their standard of living-through improved income.
• Youth will be motivated to stay in rural areas, as inputs will be delivered at their farm gate, on credit basis and interest free,
• Produce enough food crops, meat and fish using modem methods.

Components of the Youth in Agriculture Programme (YIAP)
The Youth in Agriculture has four (4) components namely:
i. Crops / Block Farm
ii. Livestock and Poultry
iii. Fisheries/Aquaculture and
iv. Agribusiness
Crops/Block Farm
This System has two sub-components, general crops and the block farm Block Farm, under this
Scheme, state land or land acquired from chiefs or private individuals is ploughed and shared in
blocks among ; young farmer under supervision of MOFA staff. For now, the crops under YIAP
include maize (seed and grain), sorghum, soybean, tomato and onion.
Other enterprises will be included as the programme expands. Under the block farm, YIAP provides farmers with tractor services, inputs at subsidized prices all on credit and at interest free. The land is ploughed and shared amongst young farmers in blocks. In the long run, big commercial farmers are to be made from Block Farm and the other component of the Youth in Agric Programme.
With regard to the general system, farmers clustered in an area may be considered under the
programme. At the end of the season, farmers are expected to repay the facility in kind. This system takes care of their marketing responsibilities and post harvest loses. Farmers may sell their produce to the Buffer Stock Company established by MOFA or’ any customer of their choice.
Livestock and Poultry
This component targets young unemployed men and women to take to production of livestock and poultry (broilers layers, guinea fowls and piggery to begin with. Beneficiary youth will be assisted with day old chicks in the case of broilers, layers and guinea fowls, They will be provided with housing, feeding, drugs and vaccine, utility until they are weaned off the programme in about a year.
Similarly breeding sows and pigs together with the other inputs will be provided. There is a programme for other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats and other stocks such as rabbit and grasscutter will be added. Since animal production is a specialized area, participating farmers will be trained.
Fisheries/Aquaculture
The Youth in Aquaculture Programme is first of all being driven by the demand for healthy fish and inadequate domestic fish production. Traditional harvest fisheries are cither fully exploited or near full exploitation and cannot meet the increasing demand for seafood.
The youth are especially targeted to form the focal point of the project.
Who can join the Programme

• .Any person interested in farming
• Group of young men and women in the community interested in farming.
• Any institution training farmers.

How to Join the Youth in Agriculture Programme

• Contact any MOFA office at the Regional or District level in Regional and District capitals.
• Contact the National secretariat of the Youth in Agriculture Programme,  MOFA, Accra,
• For block farm participants, you must be in groups with elected leaders.

You  must apply in writing and state your area of interest, location to access to any agricultural productive resource .
Youth in Agriculture Programme

• Tractor services where your land is ploughable
• If your land cannot be ploughed you have to clear it yourself.
• Supply of inputs such as seeds, agro-chemicals, sacks, and facilitate marketing of your produce.
• Technical support from Agric. Extension staff of MOFA.
• Training of farmers free of charge, where the need arises.

The role of the District, Municipal and metropolitan Assemblies

• Supervision
• Assist to acquire land
• Provide land and equipment
• Monitor activities

EXIT STRATEGY
An organization or individual without an exit strategy  may be in a quagmire. At worst, an exit
strategy will save face; at best an exit strategy will peg a withdrawal to the achievement of an objective worth more than the cost of continued involvement.
Any business, be it farming, commerce or e manufacturing needs to grow. In any business’ formative years, a push is needed. This push could be in the form of capital, land or management. In terms of h agriculture, resources such as land, capital and labour s need be expanded or intensified. The Youth in Agriculture Programme is the channel through which the Government of Ghana is giving a push to the youth.
In order to allow the youth to grow in their farming businesses, young farmers participating in the various, components of YIAP need to be weaned off at a point. , However, this will depend on which component or enterprise the young farmer is involved in, because the gestation period of each enterprise varies from the other. The young farmer at that point needs to be, partially independent in terms of taking decisions, acquisition of inputs and marketing of his/her produce.
The YIAP will introduce weaned young farmers to the appropriate service providers and Banks such as Agricultural Development Bank, StanBic Bank, etc.
The details of provision of credit to the farmer will be between the farmer and the bank. The YIAP however will continue to maintain contacts with the farmers in order to draw from their knowledge and experience for new participants in the programme.
Crops/Block farm
Each young farmer will have to be encouraged to open a bank account with the agricultural inclined banks as a first step. A young farmer who is able to continue repaying his/her debts with YIAP will be allowed to continue up to 3 years. After 3 years he has to look for his/her own land, because it is expected that he/she will expand his farm from 2 hectares to 5 hectares and above hectares.

Livestock/Poultry
Each young farmer will be encouraged to open a bank account as a general policy of the programme. Since the production cycle of poultry, rabbits and pigs allow several in a year; a young farmer will be with the programme for 2years. It is expected that at the end of the second year, the farmer would have gained enough knowledge and experience to be on his own. Financially he would have saved some funds to enable him construct a simple animal house.
Aquiculture/ Fisheries
Young farmers will be weaned off after 1 year. The Cost-Benefit analysis show that after two successful production cycles (will make about 50%of working capital invested as income),
young farmers should be able to save to construct their own cages. The banks should be able to provide the farmer with working capital as credit to enable them put into use their cages constructed.
Agribusiness
This component involves training of the youth in processing, marketing and consultancy in various areas of agricultural production. The YIAP will be able to keep participants up to I year. After 1 year, a young participant will be weaned off the programme. To begin, especially for the processors, simple processing equipment would be provided to them on credit basis. For the working capital, weaned young participants would be introduced to the appropriate financial institution.
The YIAP is under the leadership of The National Coordinator, and supported by four (4) Coordinators namely as follows;
1.         National Programme Coordinator                   Alhahi E.A. Mahama
2.         Coordinator, Crops/Block Farm                     Mr. Emmanuel Akuna
3.         Coordinator, Aquaculture/Fisheries                Mr. Francis Gao
4.         Coordinator, Livestock & Poultry                  Mr. Julius Nukpeza
5.         Coordinator, Agribusiness                              Rev. Mrs.Nyvieme Adiapena
Details of activities, financial commitments and plans for this year, 2011 would be made known to you by the National Coordinator, Alhaji Adam Mahama, after you have finally settled.

© 2011 Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Republic of Ghana. All rights reserved.