The price of approved agricultural seeds is set to increase in the coming weeks.

Stakeholders in the seed producing industry are expected to meet with government on Wednesday to discuss a possible upward adjustment from the current price of ¢170 per bag of 45 kilos.

Seed producers say this has become necessary because the cost of production has been affected by external economic factors.

Farmers rely on good seeds for increase yield and disease resistance. It has become necessary for a price review of approved according to seed producers.

There are also fears any astronomical increase will become a disincentive and compel farmers to resort to fake seeds that will negatively affect Ghana’s food production.

Coordinator for National Seed Traders Association, Thomas Havor, spoke with Joy News’s Erastus Asare Donkor on the sidelines of an agricultural mentorship programme in Kumasi.

“Ten seed producing companies are currently receiving training in developing foundation seeds which meet international standards to boost Ghana’s agricultural yields by 45 percent,” said Mr. Havor.

The executive director for Agri-Impact Consults, Dan Acquaye, initiators of the entrepreneurship for commercial seed incubation, said, “The use of improved seeds is less than 10 percent. This project is to ensure that the seed companies that would be selected if they are into planting maize can increase their yields by 20 percent.”

He added that at the end of the programme, certified seed growers should also increase their production by 40 percent. 

More smallholder farmers also stand to benefit, as they will have access to quality seeds with their yields increasing by 40 percent.