CSIR-SARI Introduces New High-Yielding Cowpea Varieties to Boost Productivity in Northern Ghana
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has held successful field days at Sanzee in the Mio District and Gbambu in the Gushegu municipal Assembly of northern Ghana; among the USAID Zone of Influence (ZOI) in the Mion district. The events brought together 457 farmers (majority being women and youth), and other stakeholders in the cowpea production value chain, to introduce two newly released cowpea varieties; Awudu Benga and Kanton Bongdaa. This initiative forms part of the project: “Scale-Up of Legume Systems Innovation Lab-Developed New Cowpea Variety Releases in Ghana”, funded by the Legume Systems Innovation Lab. The field days aimed to demonstrate the transformative potential of these new varieties and provide hands-on training in advanced production practices to help farmers increase cowpea production and productivity.
Key CSIR-SARI scientists led the events, including Dr. Emmanuel Yaw Owusu, a cowpea breeder, and Mr. Frederick Awuku Justice, a molecular breeder. Dr. Owusu shared insights into the unique characteristics of the Awudu Benga and Kanton Bongdaa varieties, which boost impressive grain yields of 2.52 and 2.62 tons per hectare, respectively, drought tolerance, resistant to pests and diseases, early maturity (65-70 days), and high nutritional content. He emphasized that these varieties were bred to address challenges in cowpea production, enhance food and nutrition security, and adapt to the effects of climate change. With pods positioned above the canopy, the varieties are easy to harvest manually or mechanically. Moreover, the new varieties have short cooking time and high nutritional values – rich in iron, calcium, and zinc – make them especially appealing to households.
The training component, led by Mr. Frederick Awuku, covered the Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) essential for optimal crop health and yield. Participants received practical guidance on topics including quality seeds of improved varieties, land preparation, planting techniques, pest management, resource efficiency, and post-harvest handling. The training was well-received, with attendees like Mr. Adam Napari, a lead farmer from Sanzee, noting the value of these skills. “I learned a lot today about the best ways to plant and care for these new cowpeas,” Mr. Napari shared. “I feel better prepared to improve my cowpea yield, which will help me get more income and nutritious cowpeas to feed my family.”
The field days mark a significant milestone in CSIR-SARI’s mission to bridge the gap between research innovations and practical farming techniques. By conducting community-centered events, CSIR-SARI brings agricultural advancements directly to local farmers, empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable and productive farming.
Mr. Abukari Kudus and Mr. Abdul-Salam, the Agriculture Extension Agents from Mio and Gushegu, respectively, encouraged farmers to adopt these high-yielding varieties and adhere to the recommended agronomic practices. “Our hope is that these varieties, combined with the skills you have learned today, will create a lasting, positive impact on your farms and families,” Mr. Kudus concluded.
Dr. Emmanuel Owusu, presenting on behalf of Dr. Francis Kusi (the director of CSIR-SARI), the project’s Principal Investigator, highlighted the significance of the field days. “The field days are valuable opportunities for Guthega, Gbambu, Sanzee, Kpulgini, Sang farmers and so on, to see, touch, and learn about varieties that have been specifically bred for the conditions here in Northern Ghana, and beyond. Our aim is to empower these farmers with knowledge and access to seeds that can improve their food/nutrition security and livelihoods”, he noted.
The event underscored the potential of innovation-driven agriculture to transform farming communities, improve incomes, and strengthen food security in Ghana.
Source: zaaradio.com
