Maize remains Ghana’s most significant cereal crop, primarily cultivated by smallholder farmers for sustenance and income. However, maize yields average just 3 tons per hectare, falling short of commercial viability. High-yielding hybrid maize varieties offer a promising solution to enhance productivity, but local production of these seeds is lacking. Addressing this gap, Kukobila Nasia Farms Limited (KNF), in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) and funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund, initiated the “Training in Hybrid Maize Seed Production and Market Development” project.
The project aims to build the capacity of KNF staff and out-growers in hybrid maize seed production and marketing. It began with an inception meeting in November 2023, setting the stage for a transformative journey in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
On June 6, 2024, a project review meeting was held at the KNF Nucleus Farm in the Savelugu Municipality. The meeting aimed to evaluate progress, share lessons learned, and discuss challenges. Key stakeholders, including young trainees, KNF staff, community leaders, and representatives from CSIR-SARI, Ghana Seed Inspection Division (GSID), Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), National Association of Seed Trade of Ghana (NASTAG), and the Seed Producers Association of Ghana (SEEDPAG), attended the meeting.
The project has achieved several significant milestones, such as:
- Initiating the project with an inception meeting to outline goals and engage stakeholders.
- Conducting a capacity assessment to tailor the training program to participants’ needs.
- Developing training manuals and brochures in the local language.
- Building the capacity of 25 trainees (17 male and 8 female) in hybrid maize seed production and marketing through hands-on experience over four months.
The review meeting highlighted participant knowledge and skills improvements, especially in seed production techniques, post-harvest handling, marketing, and record-keeping. Participants expressed satisfaction with their enhanced understanding and practical experience. Challenges included disrupted attendance and balancing training with household responsibilities for female participants.
Stakeholders from GSID, MoFA, NASTAG, and SEEDPAG emphasized the importance of applying the acquired skills for economic benefits and increasing the accessibility of hybrid maize seeds in Ghana. Female participants were encouraged to inspire others in their communities.
Community chiefs from Kukobila and Tamalgu expressed pride in their community members’ participation and urged trainees to use their new skills to improve the accessibility of hybrid maize seeds in the Northern Region. This endorsement underscores the project’s broader impact, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and community development.
Mr. Hisham Seidu, General Manager of KNF, expressed satisfaction with the trainees’ progress and announced that KNF would engage these newly trained individuals as out-growers to help produce sufficient quantities of hybrid maize seed to meet market demand. This initiative aims to meet market needs and create direct employment opportunities, offering economic benefits for both trainees and the company.
Representatives from CSIR-SARI, including Dr. Gloria Boakyewaa Adu, Dr. Prince Maxwell Etwire, and Mr. Desmond Sunday Adogoba, highlighted the longstanding partnership between CSIR-SARI and KNF. They affirmed CSIR-SARI’s commitment to providing ongoing technical support to both trainees and KNF as the company embarks on hybrid maize seed production and marketing. This collaborative effort promises to enhance the capabilities of all involved and ensure the sustainable growth of the hybrid maize seed sector in Ghana.
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