Access to quality foundation seeds is the cornerstone of a vibrant and productive agricultural system. For years, however, Ghana’s seed sector, particularly in the northern regions, struggled with low awareness, limited access, and weak linkages between research institutions and private seed producers. This resulted in an unreliable supply of certified seeds to farmers. Today, that trend is being reversed through the efforts of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), working in partnership with CORAF, through the establishment of the Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) at Nyankpala.
The ATP was created to bridge the gap between research and the farming community by showcasing and facilitating access to improved crop varieties and seed technologies. What began as a demonstration initiative has evolved into a platform that stimulates real market demand for foundation seeds, the building block for certified seed production.
Before the Park’s establishment, demand for foundation seeds was low and inconsistent, with most seed producers relying on small volumes sourced from research institutions. Farmers often depended on saved seeds or uncertified materials, leading to low productivity and reduced income. But with the visibility and awareness created through the ATP, that story is changing. The Park’s hands-on demonstrations, training sessions, and outreach activities have deepened farmers’ understanding of quality seed systems and encouraged seed producers to invest in early-generation seed procurement.
In 2025, CSIR-SARI recorded a remarkable increase in the demand for foundation seeds of six major crops, maize, rice, millet, sorghum, cowpea, and soybean, compared to 2024. The numbers tell a compelling story of growth and renewed confidence in locally produced foundation seed.
For maize, sales rose from 2.56 tons in 2024 to 4.88 tons in 2025, representing a 137 percent increase. Rice foundation seed sales jumped from 50 tons to 80 tons, a 60 percent increase in just one year. Millet saw the most dramatic growth, rising from 1 ton in 2024 to 3 tons in 2025, marking a 200 percent increase. Similar upward trends were observed for sorghum, which grew from 3 tons to 5 tons, cowpea from 2.21 to 3.93 tons, and soybean from 1.73 to 1.94 tons.
These figures clearly demonstrate that the ATP’s promotional activities, capacity building, and collaboration with seed companies are reshaping the seed system landscape. The initiative has turned what was once a project-driven demand into a market-led seed system where private producers and agro-dealers now plan ahead to secure foundation seeds for large-scale certified seed production.
The rising demand is also fueled by the success of specific improved varieties showcased at the ATP. Two of the most sought-after technologies in 2025 were the Fall Armyworm (FAW)-tolerant maize hybrids and SARINUT 2, a dual-purpose groundnut variety. Both smallholder farmers and private seed producers have shown strong interest in these varieties due to their high yield potential, resilience, and adaptability.
To promote adoption, CSIR-SARI distributed 850 kilograms of certified seeds, including 750 kilograms of FAW-tolerant maize hybrids (CSIR-Wobil Moya) and 100 kilograms of SARINUT 2—through the Department of Agriculture in five key districts: Yendi, Wa East, West Mamprusi, North Gonja, and Tolon. The initiative allowed hundreds of farmers to access improved seed for the first time, while also stimulating additional demand from seed producers who sought to multiply and distribute certified seeds to local markets.
The impact of the ATP’s work is now visible across the seed value chain. Seed companies increasingly turn to CSIR-SARI for foundation seed supplies, youth-led seed enterprises are emerging, and local demand is spreading beyond Northern Ghana to other parts of the country. The Park has also become a practical learning center for students, extension agents, and young entrepreneurs seeking to build careers in seed production.
“The Technology Park has shown us the value of working closely with research institutions,” said a young seed entrepreneur from Tolon. “Access to foundation seed from SARI has helped us to produce better-quality certified seeds and expand our market. Farmers now trust our products because they know where the seed begins.”
To consolidate these gains, CSIR-SARI continues to strengthen collaborations with seed companies, farmer groups, and government agencies. The Institute is maintaining the ATP as a year-round hub for innovation and training while exploring ways to replicate the model in other regions. However, sustaining growth will require additional investment in seed infrastructure, particularly in drying and storage facilities, as well as continued support for youth and women-led seed enterprises.
The sharp rise in foundation seed demand represents more than just increased numbers, it reflects a broader transformation in Ghana’s seed system. Farmers and seed producers are recognizing the value of starting right, with quality foundation seeds. With support from CORAF and other partners, CSIR-SARI is positioning Northern Ghana as a regional hub for foundation seed production and innovation.
As Dr. Francis Kusi, the Director of CSIR-SARI, aptly puts it:
“the increased demand for foundation seeds is not just a success for CSIR-SARI, it is evidence that the seed system is becoming stronger, more responsive, and more sustainable. It shows that our farmers and entrepreneurs are ready to lead the change toward food security and self-sufficiency.”