Mion District, Ghana – July 2, 2025. Barely a month after receiving foundation seed and startup capital under the Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) youth empowerment initiative, Mohammed Seidu, a beneficiary from Tugu Yapala in the Mion District, is already transforming his rice farming dream into reality.
Mr. Seidu, one of the four young farmers supported by CSIR-SARI under the CORAF-backed initiative, has successfully cultivated three acres of rice using the foundation seed provided by the institute. Though the project did not supply machinery, Seidu resourcefully accessed a simple planter to improve his planting efficiency. His commitment and early progress reflect the core objective of the initiative—to empower youth through sustainable agribusiness along the seed value chain.
“I’m proud of what I’ve started,” Seidu shared. “With the quality seed and guidance from CSIR-SARI, I can already see the difference in my field.”
Seidu received support as part of CSIR-SARI’s broader strategy to promote youth-led agribusiness through its ATP in Nyankpala. Each selected youth received $500 (approximately GHS 5,000) along with foundation seeds to kickstart seed production in either rice, soybean, or hybrid maize. In Seidu’s case, the focus was on rice—a key staple crop for both food security and income generation in Northern Ghana.
Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI and Coordinator of the ATP project, explained the vision behind the initiative. “Our goal is to build a new generation of certified seed producers—youth who are passionate about farming and willing to lead the change. We’re proud to see young people like Seidu taking bold steps.”
ASM Agro and Trading Enterprise, the company working with Seidu, is also optimistic about the prospects of youth-led seed businesses in the region. With continued technical support from CSIR-SARI and plans to monitor the entire production cycle—from planting through harvesting and marketing—beneficiaries like Seidu are expected to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s local seed supply system.
Seidu’s story serves as a powerful example of what happens when innovation, opportunity, and determination come together. As the rice on his field continues to mature, so does his dream of becoming a key player in agricultural development in his district and beyond.
