As global leaders strive to meet the 2030 sustainable development goals, the United Nations (UN) has reported that in 2020, between 720 and 811 million people experienced hunger worldwide— an increase of approximately 161 million from the previous year.
Additionally, the UN predicted that some 660 million people may still experience hunger in 2030 if efforts are not in place to reverse food insecurity threats.
In light of the urgent need to tackle this growing crisis, experts are stressing the importance of revitalising seed systems as a crucial step in the fight against hunger.
Speaking to Access Agric in an interview, Mr. Padmore Adu-Antwi, a Seed Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi says Ghana is no exception to these threats and highlighted that hunger issues escalated significantly due to the rapidly increasing global population and climate change.
“The seed sector is essential for boosting agricultural production, which is vital for achieving a world free from hunger,” he emphasised.
Despite its critical role, Ghana’s seed sector has not received the attention it deserves, Mr. Adu-Antwi remarked, “Seeds are the foundation of food production. Without them, agriculture cannot thrive, and ultimately, people will go hungry.”
He pointed out that addressing the seed system is fundamental to achieving food security, stating, “It is illogical to discuss food security without first considering the seed system.”
The seed system includes various processes related to the development, production, conditioning, and distribution to farmers; exploring the critical role of the Ghanaian government in overseeing seed production through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which ensures adherence to regulations related to seed processing and storage.
Mr. Adu-Antwi also emphasised the need for enhanced resources for organisations such as the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) and the Ghana Seed Inspection Division (GSID) to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
As Ghana progresses, a robust domestic seed system is essential for boosting food production. “Without the government’s strong support for the seed system, food security in Ghana will remain out of reach. Prioritising this issue is crucial,” Mr. Adu-Antwi asserted.
Story by Stephen Freeman.
