Analysis of rice seed system for increasing yield productivity in Ghana
2014
Kang, H.W., Samjong KPMG Economics Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Yi, G.H., Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
Rice is the second most important cereal after maize in Ghana. Rice consumption has been growing rapidly, mainly around towns such as Accra. However, self-sufficiency rate remains to be about 46% of the national consumption. Ghana depends largely on imported rice to augment the domestic deficit in rice supply. High level of dependence on imported rice causes financial burden to the country is foreign currency reserves, as well as to food security accompanied by raising international grain price. This paper aimed at policy recommendation of seed system in Ghana to increase self sufficiency in rice. Ghana shows a number of findings to include non-certified varieties are all over the country, lack of capacity to develop domestic varieties, excessive work and fund resource shortages of national agricultural research institutions and its management institutions, low trust and poor information about certified seeds and modern varieties (MV), and difficulty in purchasing new varieties. In order to solve these problems, we suggest to utilize semi-informal system and information providing system using Social Networking System (SNS) for the improvement of seed promotion and fast dissemination of agricultural technologies. The main idea of semi-informal system is the multiplication of fresh certified seeds under the observation of the Agriculture Extension Agents (AEAs) and qualified core seed growers. In conclusion, certified seed production and distribution will greatly contribute to the rice productivity improvement and food self-sufficiency. In addition, fast dissemination of agricultural technology via SNS, farmers accessibility will be improved on new agricultural technology or new varieties.
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