The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has supported four enterprising young farmers with start-up capital and foundation seeds to promote youth-led agribusiness to strengthen Ghana’s seed systems.
The support is to help establish seed production enterprises under the CORAF-supported Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) initiative.
Each of the four youth beneficiaries received $500 (equivalent to GHc5,000) and foundation seeds sufficient to cultivate one hectare of land.
They were Francis Anafo from Talensi, who will engage in hybrid maize seed production, Salamatu Mahamatu from Wa, who is venturing into soybean seed production, Mohamed Seidu from Mion, who is starting rice seed production, and Bamba John from Saboba, who is also embarking on soybean seed production.
The intervention was designed to help them establish enterprises in soybean, rice, and hybrid maize seed production; three key crops in the country’s food and seed security agenda.
Dr Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI and Coordinator of ATP, speaking during the presentation of the support packages to the beneficiaries at Nyankpala, near Tamale, described the initiative as a deliberate step to involve the next generation in high-value agribusiness along the seed value chain.
He said: “Our goal is to help these young people become established seed producers, who will not only support their families but also create job opportunities for other youth. We are not just giving out money and seed; we are making a long-term investment in agricultural transformation through the youth.”
He said CSIR-SARI would monitor their progress closely and provide technical backstopping to guide them throughout the season from planting to harvesting and marketing.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for their support.
Francis Anafo, speaking on behalf of the group, extended appreciation to CORAF and CSIR-SARI for the opportunity saying, “This is more than support; it is a breakthrough. We promise to make good use of the seeds and funds and ensure that we become successful seed entrepreneurs. We are grateful to CSIR-SARI and to CORAF for believing in us.”
The Ghana News Agency understands that this youth seed enterprise initiative is part of a broader vision to position the ATP as a launchpad for inclusive agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship in the northern part of the country.
The ATP is a live demonstration hub where proven technologies including improved seeds and best agronomic practices are showcased to farmers, policymakers, and development partners.
SOURCE: Access Agric
