MoFA to launch traceability unit to combat fake seed production

In a significant step to ensure quality assurance in Ghana’s seed industry, the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is establishing a traceability unit aimed at curbing the sale of fake and adulterated seeds. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ghana Seed Inspection Division, seeks to protect farmers from substandard seeds and bolster agricultural productivity.

The Seed Tracker Initiative

Kwasi Wih, Head of the Ghana Seed Inspection Division, revealed the plans in an interview with ZED BUSINESS. According to Mr. Wih, the proposed traceability system, dubbed the Seed Tracker, will include a barcoding and sticker system for certified seeds. This will allow stakeholders to trace the origin of seeds back to the producer and the certifying inspector.

“All the seeds that we certify in the country will have stickers or barcodes. This will help us check the faking in the system,” he explained.

The stickers will contain vital information, including the seed producer’s identity and the certification details of the inspecting officer. This move is expected to provide accountability and transparency throughout the seed production and distribution process.

Combating Fake Seeds

The initiative responds to growing concerns over the proliferation of uncertified seeds in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of farmers, selling substandard seeds that adversely impact crop yields.

“We have realized that people are selling seeds that are not certified. This system will ensure that every seed certified by inspectors is properly packaged and labeled to prevent faking,” Mr. Wih stated.

Supporting Seed Producers

The PPRSD is also prioritizing support for seed producers to enhance their capacity for quality assurance. With assistance from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the directorate plans to provide basic seed-testing equipment to farmers and companies engaged in seed production.

“This equipment will allow producers to test their seeds before selling them to other farmers, ensuring that only high-quality seeds enter the market,” Mr. Wih noted.

Implications for the Seed Industry

The establishment of the traceability unit is poised to transform Ghana’s seed industry. By ensuring that certified seeds can be easily identified and traced, the initiative will:

• Enhance farmer confidence in the seed market.
• Improve crop yields and agricultural output by reducing reliance on fake seeds.
• Hold seed producers and inspectors accountable for the quality of their products.

A Step Toward Sustainable Agriculture

This traceability initiative aligns with broader goals of achieving sustainable agricultural growth in Ghana. By addressing the challenge of fake seeds and supporting seed producers with essential tools, the PPRSD is laying a strong foundation for improved food security and economic development. As this system is rolled out, it is expected to bring relief to farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, ensuring that Ghana’s seed industry thrives and contributes to the nation’s development.