CSIR–SARI, MoFA demonstrate climate-smart maize varieties under TAAT II at Punyoro

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI), in collaboration with the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), has organized a brown field day demonstration exercise at Punyoro in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.

The event brought together farmers, teachers, agricultural officers, input dealers and researchers to observe and learn from practical demonstrations on improved hybrid maize varieties and enhanced agronomic practices aimed at improving productivity and resilience.

In an interview with Mike FM, the Municipal Agricultural Extension Officer, Elijah Bobi, who supervised the implementation of the demonstration, explained that the initiative sought to expose farmers to modern maize cultivation techniques and improved varieties capable of delivering higher yields and better adaptation to changing climatic conditions.

“We had the opportunity to take farmers through maize demonstration involving four different climate-smart and nutrient-dense hybrids compared with the local farmer variety and practice,” Bobi stated.

Dr Isaac Kodzo Amegbor, a Research Scientist and Maize Breeder at CSIR–SARI, stated that the demonstration formed part of the institute’s broader efforts to promote climate-smart agricultural technologies directly to farmers for participatory learning and adoption.

He indicated that the activity was being conducted under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT II) initiative, with the maize promotion aspect of TAAT II sponsored by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

“We want our farmers to see the potential of the varieties we have developed at CSIR. These are climate-smart and nutrient-dense maize varieties developed not only tolerant to drought but also to help combat malnutrition through enhanced vitamin A and protein content; nutrients vital for healthy growth and development.” Dr Amegbor explained.

He elaborated that the yellow and orange maize hybrids, such as Dimaale-Engee and CRI-Abebe, are provitamin A varieties, while CSIR-Adubi-Boyo is a quality protein maize (QPM) rich in lysine and tryptophan. These traits, he noted, make the varieties both nutritionally beneficial and agronomically superior, offering value to farmers and consumers alike.

“These are locally bred varieties developed right here in Ghana. Let us promote what we have, cultivate what we have, and sell what we have. Demonstrations like this empower farmers to become ambassadors who can share these technologies with others.” Dr Amegbor emphasized.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Kassim Salifu, commended the collaborative initiative and underscored its transformative potential for local agriculture.

“If we can adopt what we are seeing on the field today, the whole of Navrongo will change,” Salifu remarked. “And when Navrongo changes, the Upper East Region will be transformed, and this will contribute to national development.”

The lead farmer of the Punyoro Vorobia Farmers Group, Adewoyi Peter, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as an invaluable learning experience.

“I have learned a lot from this demonstration. We have seen that these varieties mature earlier, stand well in the field without lodging, and produce excellent cobs even under drought conditions. Varieties like CSIR-Adubi-Boyo also maintain green leaves at physiological maturity, which can be used to feed our livestock.” he said. “

Adding his voice, Solomon Kanye, the Assembly Member for Punyoro, appealed to CSIR–SARI to expand the demonstration to reach more farmers and communities within the municipality and ensure the availability of certified seeds to local farmers.

“I encourage that community members interested in the demonstration fields register and benefit from the training,” he said. “I appeal to SARI to extend this initiative so more people across our area can benefit.”

The field exercise marked a milestone in the ongoing partnership between CSIR–SARI, MoFA, AATF, and the TAAT II initiative. It reaffirmed the shared commitment to promoting climate-resilient agriculture, enhancing farmers’ knowledge and productivity, and strengthening food and nutrition security in northern Ghana and the country as a whole.

Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom