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The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has welcomed the government’s decision to deploy the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains from farmers in response to the current glut.
In a statement signed by its president, Seidu Abdulai Mubarak, on Thursday, September 25, NaSTAG described the intervention as a commendable short-term measure to cushion farmers from post-harvest losses and falling prices.
“The decision to resource NAFCO to mop up excess grains is a commendable step that will provide immediate relief to our farmers 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,” the Association said.
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While praising the government’s swift response, NaSTAG urged broader policy reforms to address deeper challenges within the agricultural sector.
It proposed targeted subsidies or seed voucher programmes to help farmers access quality seeds, stressing that sustainable solutions would require robust, long-term policies.
The Association emphasised two urgent areas for policy direction:
- Reducing reliance on imported grains and seeds through strengthened local seed production.
- Developing competitive export markets to absorb surplus and boost national revenue.
“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 homegrown produce, conserving foreign exchange and building a more resilient food system,” the statement read.
NaSTAG also raised concern over unsold seed stocks and high production costs, warning that failure to address these issues could threaten the upcoming planting season.
“Our members across the country are currently holding significant balances of unsold quality seeds. 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 noted.
The Association assured the government of its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other stakeholders in shaping a sustainable, profitable, and resilient agricultural sector.
“NaSTAG remains a committed partner to the government in the collective mission to transform Ghana’s agriculture,” the statement concluded.
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