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Quality seed is a prerequisite for a profitable vegetable industry. The climate in Ghana is conducive for the production of a wide range of vegetables. Seeds of various local crops marketed in Ghana are developed, released and registered by the Ghanaian research institutions. However, exotic vegetable seeds are imported and supplied by private seed sector. All seeds marketed in Ghana have to meet the minimum standard stipulated in the Plants and Fertilizers Act 2010. Vegetable seed production is normally done in special seed production fields or structures. Seed production requires the application of appropriate agronomic principles necessary for the production of good-quality seeds. Seeds need to be genetically and physically pure, physiologically viable and free from weeds, insect pests and diseases. To achieve this, trained and skilled personnel have to be included in the production and postharvest activities prior to the seed reaching the end user. Modern commercial vegetable production systems are based on crop uniformity. To obtain the required crop uniformity and for precision drilling, vegetable seeds are normally graded. A good packaging and labelling are also important in seed business. The packaging material should be designed to create an airtight condition within the seed environment. Seed storage preserves the viability and vigour of seeds until marketing and protects the seed marketer’s profits and reputation. Through seed distribution and marketing, vegetable seeds are made available to the farmer who is the end user. Changes in temperature and relative humidity, which normally contribute to deterioration of the containers, labelling system and seeds not in vapour-proof cans should be minimized during transportation. There are prospects for vegetable seed production in Ghana based on factors including the high demand for local and exotic vegetable seeds, favourable climatic conditions, availability of manpower and government policies supporting the vegetable seed industry. This is not to forget the challenges that are associated with vegetable seed production including the maintenance of genetic purity, pests and diseases, storage and marketing. |
