Research Scientists release new crop varieties
       
The Crops Varietal Release Committee of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has released seven out of the eight new maize varieties for mass production in the market. In addition, the Committee also released four cowpea varieties and one rice variety.
       
A team of research scientists from the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR at Fumesua near Kumasi took between three and five years to work on the new varieties.
 
The newly released maize varieties for instance, are known to be very highly rich in protein and Vitamin A, which most cereals and tuber crops based foods lack.
 
The adoption and consequent release of the maize varieties apart from their being accepted by over 80 percent of respondents, according to research can also help address poverty among farmers because of early maturity and ability to withstand drought. 

The cowpea varieties and the rice released also have the potential to address protein requirements needed by Ghanaians. 

According to the researchers, the cowpeas and the rice are all disease tolerant and high yielding.
 
The release of the crops varieties came at the time that rainfall pattern has completely changed as a result of climate change, and also when new diseases continue to merge thereby affecting food production. 

A visit to the research fields at  Fumesua and Nobewam by the Varietal Release Committee, accompanied by research scientists, farmers and the media prior to the release revealed a very good work done by the researchers all aimed at enhancing food production at the sub-region. 
  
A Senior Research Scientist at the CRI Dr Obeng Antwi said for the first time all materials used in the research into the hybrid crops were locally produced. 

He said the poultry and brewery industries would be significant beneficiaries when the new maize varieties are adopted for mass production. 

A member of the Varietal Release Committee, Delali  Nutakor commended the scientists for their hard work and hoped they will continue to be motivated to research and come out with much more improved crops varieties to enhance food production. 

The Director of the CRI Dr Stella Ennin also commended the sponsors and partners of the project for their continued support.


GBC