The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) has announced plans to reduce the price of certified seeds by 20–25 percent for the 2026 farming season, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers and accelerating the adoption of high-quality improved seeds nationwide.

This announcement was contained in a press release issued and signed by the President of NASTAG, Mr. Seidu Abdulai Mubarak.

According to Mr. Mubarak, the price reduction demonstrates NASTAG’s commitment to promoting the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“By making quality seeds more accessible, we empower farmers to achieve higher yields, improve resilience to climate variability, and enhance their productivity and incomes,” he stated.

A Bold Investment in Ghana’s Agricultural Future

NASTAG described the 20–25 percent reduction in seed prices as a bold, farmer-centered investment in the future of Ghana’s agriculture.

The association also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government through the Feed Ghana Programme to ensure that quality seeds reach farmers across the country.

At the same time, Mr. Mubarak used the opportunity to urge the government to address the pressing market glut affecting several key crops in order to safeguard farmers’ incomes and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s food system.

“Together, we can sow the seeds of a more prosperous and food-secure Ghana,” he said.

Strengthening Partnership with the Feed Ghana Programme

To maximize the impact of the initiative and promote widespread adoption of certified seeds, Mr. Mubarak formally called for a strategic partnership with the government’s flagship Feed Ghana Programme.

“We believe a collaborative effort is essential. We propose joint initiatives such as integrated seed distribution and agronomic support within the operational framework of the Feed Ghana Programme, as well as awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the superior returns on investment from using certified seeds,” he explained.

He noted that such collaboration would ensure that the benefits of reduced seed prices translate directly into greater food security, improved farmer livelihoods, and the successful realization of the programme’s core objectives.

Addressing the Market Glut Crisis

Touching on the issue of market oversupply, Mr. Mubarak expressed deep concern about the current glut affecting key staple crops, particularly maize, soybean, and rice.

According to him, the oversupply has resulted in critically low demand, falling prices, and significant difficulties for farmers in selling their produce.

“This glut creates a devastating cycle,” he said, explaining that farmers are incurring substantial losses and often lack the capital needed to invest in quality seeds for the next planting season. This financial strain ultimately threatens future productivity and national food security.

He added that the entire agricultural value chain—from seed producers and input dealers to aggregators and processors—is negatively affected, thereby constraining sectoral growth and investment.

Call for Immediate Government Action

Mr. Mubarak commended the government’s efforts in advancing agricultural development but emphasized the urgent need for intervention to address the glut crisis.

“Specifically, we appeal for the activation and expansion of buffer stock mechanisms to absorb excess produce at sustainable prices,” he said.

He also called for the fast-tracking of policies that stimulate local industrial demand for maize, soybean, and rice, particularly through the poultry, livestock, and rice-milling industries.

In addition, facilitating export channels to neighbouring countries would help reduce domestic oversupply.

Resolving the current market crisis, he stressed, is critical to protecting farmers’ incomes, stabilizing the agricultural value chain, and ensuring that the benefits of initiatives such as the seed price reduction and the Feed Ghana Programme are fully realized.