
Introduction
In recent years, Ghana’s agricultural sector has faced critical challenges in increasing the demand for quality seeds. Lack of visibility on the various technologies available to farmers has constrained productivity and adoption of improved crop varieties. Recognizing this gap, CSIR-SARI established the Agricultural Technology Park, a hub designed to showcase cutting-edge agricultural innovations and connect stakeholders in the seed value chain. The park has supported the transformation of seed production and adoption by fostering increased demand for seeds, creating an enabling environment for stakeholders, and addressing systemic barriers in the industry.
A Hub of Innovation
The Technology Park has become a great place for agricultural innovation and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Francis Kusi, the director for CSIR-SARI, emphasized the park’s critical role in bridging the gap between research and real-world application. “At the Tech Park, we demonstrate the value of improved crop varieties in practical settings, helping farmers and seed producers see the tangible benefits. This builds trust and accelerates the adoption of new technologies,” he explained.
Through these demonstrations, the park has highlighted the superior yield, pest resistance, and climate resilience of improved seed varieties. These results have encouraged seed producers and farmers to engage actively with the institute, leading to a surge in demand for early-generation seeds.
Seed Producers Lead the Charge
The park’s influence has been particularly transformative for seed producers, including members of SEEDPAG, the Seed Producers Association of Ghana. SEEDPAG’s president, Alhaji Amadu Alhassan noted, “The Tech Park has given us confidence in the quality of these improved seeds. By seeing their performance firsthand, we can make informed decisions and meet the growing demand from farmers.”
This confidence has translated into preorders for significant quantities of early-generation seeds. Mr. Rasheed Issah, a seed scientist at CSIR-SARI, highlighted the remarkable impact: “Over the last planting season, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for early-generation seeds. This is largely linked to the visibility and trust built through the Tech Park. It’s a game-changer for us as a research institute.”
Farmers Drive Adoption
Farmers have been equally inspired by the park’s activities. Abdul Rahman, a maize farmer from Tamale, shared his experience: “When I visited the park, I saw the difference these seeds can make. The yields are higher, and the crops are stronger against pests. I knew I had to adopt these varieties for my farm.”
For farmers like Rahman, the promise of higher yields and resilience against climate and pest challenges has been a key motivation to invest in certified seeds. Their adoption is creating a ripple effect, driving further demand and expanding the reach of improved agricultural technologies.
Economic and Social Impact
The increased demand for improved seeds is having widespread economic and social benefits. Seed producers are experiencing higher demand, enabling them to invest in their operations and expand production. Farmers adopting the improved seeds are will increase productivity, translating into higher incomes and improved livelihoods.
Additionally, the park’s success has attracted development partners and agribusinesses, fostering partnerships that further strengthen the seed value chain. The collaborative environment created by the park is ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The Agricultural Technology Park at CSIR-SARI has revolutionized the seed value chain in Ghana. By bridging the gap between research and practice, it has significantly increased demand for early-generation seeds. With the efforts of researchers like Dr. Francis Kusi, the expertise of seed scientists like Mr. Rasheed Issah, and the proactive engagement of seed producers such as SEEDPAG, the park is driving adoption and transforming agriculture. As farmers like Abdul Rahman embrace improved seed varieties, the Tech Park continues to play a vital role in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development in Ghana.