Tamale: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has taken a significant step towards empowering young farmers in Ghana by providing them with start-up capital and foundation seeds. This initiative aims to promote youth-led agribusiness and strengthen the nation's seed systems.
According to Ghana News Agency, the support is part of the Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) initiative, backed by CORAF. This initiative seeks to establish seed production enterprises, offering each of the four young beneficiaries $500 (equivalent to GHc5,000) and foundation seeds to cultivate one hectare of land. The beneficiaries include Francis Anafo from Talensi focusing on hybrid maize seed production, Salamatu Mahamatu from Wa venturing into soybean seed production, Mohamed Seidu from Mion starting rice seed production, and Bamba John from Saboba also embarking on soybean seed production.
The intervention is designed to establish enterprises in soybean, rice, and hybrid maize seed production, all of which play a crucial role in Ghana's food and seed security agenda. Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI and Coordinator of ATP, emphasized the initiative's goal to involve the next generation in agribusiness along the seed value chain. He highlighted the importance of making a long-term investment in agricultural transformation through the youth, aiming to help these young people become established seed producers who will create job opportunities for others.
Dr. Kusi assured that CSIR-SARI would closely monitor the progress of the beneficiaries and provide technical support throughout the planting, harvesting, and marketing phases. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, with Francis Anafo speaking on behalf of the group and acknowledging the support as a breakthrough opportunity.
The Ghana News Agency reports 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 northern Ghana. The ATP serves as a live demonstration hub showcasing proven technologies, including improved seeds and best agronomic practices, to farmers, policymakers, and development partners.
