Accra, Nov. 6, GNA – Some representatives of the Government and various academic institutions have benefited from a United States Government workshop on the development of the seed sector to boost agricultural production towards economic self-reliance.
The workshop, run through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), offered the participants the platform to discuss the current state of the seed sector, the role of government in the production and distribution of quality seed, and current issues and opportunities facing the private sector.
A release issued by the US Embassy in Accra, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, on Wednesday, said the event was part of the Borlaug Higher Education for Agriculture Research and Development (BHEARD) Programme.
“The participants co-designed a map of the Ghanaian seed system and created a strategy that integrated the needs and vision of the public and private sectors,” it said.
“During the workshop, participating teams competed for funding to develop commercial seed technologies, and up to three teams would be awarded $12,000 each”.
The BHEARD staff would work directly with the winners to identify opportunities to scale-up the successful technologies.
“The BHEARD Programme is a $4.9 million, USAID-funded, multi-year programme as part of Feed the Future, the US government’s global hunger and food security initiative”.
It is a long-term degree in agriculture (MSc and PhD) and food security training programme in support of agriculture-led growth and poverty reduction.
“The programme provides opportunities for selected public institutions to build their capacity in research, production, trade, policy, management, and outreach to promote greater agriculture-led economic growth and natural resources management”.
The USAID is the lead US Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realise their potential. USAID’s activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana’s journey to self-reliance.
“Our work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development,” the release said.
GNA
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