Farmers gathered on the 26th and 28th of September 2024 to participate in Green Field Day, an event designed to showcase a groundbreaking agricultural innovation that promises to transform yam farming in the country. Organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the Programme for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively-propagated Crops (VPCs) in Africa (PROSSIVA), the event brought together researchers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to witness firsthand the impact of new seed yam technologies and improved farming practices.
Held in multiple farming communities, including Lantikpa (North East Gonja District, Savanna Region) and Gushei (Savelugu municipal, Northern region), the Green Field Day aimed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing yam farmers today, that is, poor seed quality, low germination rates, and pest and disease outbreaks. The event focused on introducing new seed yam production techniques and improved yam varieties, which are already showing tremendous promise in boosting yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
At the heart of this year’s Green Field Day was the introduction of an innovative yam seed technology, using leaf bud cuttings to produce high-quality seed yams. This technique offers a solution to the traditional method of planting large tubers, often susceptible to diseases and pests, leading to low productivity.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Kwabena Darkwa, a research scientist with CSIR-SARI, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough.
“By using leaf bud cuttings, farmers can grow healthier yam plants that germinate faster and resist diseases better. The improved seed technology addresses the issue of seed quality, which has been a longstanding challenge for yam farmers in Ghana,”
Farmers were also introduced to two new, high-yielding yam varieties, Mankrong Pona and Kpamyo, which are tolerant to the major diseases affecting yam crops. These varieties respond well to the leaf bud-cutting method and are expected to revolutionize yam farming in the region.
One of the standout moments of the Green Field Day was the interaction between researchers and farmers, as farmers saw the practical benefits of the new techniques up close. Many were impressed by the healthy growth and canopy cover and the size of the tubers of the improved yam varieties, especially when compared to traditional methods.
Kasim Tahiru, a yam farmer from the nearby community of Kanankule, shared their experience at the event.
“I’ve always used the traditional method of planting large yam tubers, but I’ve had many problems with disease and poor germination. I was present during the planting of the field using the new seed yam technology, and it’s incredible. Looking at the size of the seed yam of the improved varieties I was not expecting the tubers to be bigger than our traditional variety which had bigger seed yam being planted. Also, the improved varieties are stronger and healthier, and I can see that this will make a big difference for my farm,” Tahiru said.
Farmers were also allowed to ask questions, exchange ideas with experts, and participate in hands-on demonstrations led by Mr. Ibrahim Sayibu, technical officer at CSIR-SARI, making the event highly interactive and educational.
The innovations showcased at the Green Field Day are expected to have a far-reaching impact on both the agricultural economy and farmers’ livelihoods. By producing high-quality seed yams, farmers will see improved crop yields and the opportunity to become community seed entrepreneurs, supplying fellow farmers with disease-free, high-yielding seed yams.
“This new seed technology is not just about growing more yams; it’s about giving farmers the tools they need to thrive economically. The farmers who adopt these methods can turn their farms into businesses, selling high-quality seeds and improving their incomes,” said Dr. Emmanuel Amponsah Adjei, addressing farmers at the Gushei site.
The Green Field Day was also an important platform for collaboration, as researchers from various organizations worked closely with farmers to ensure that the innovations presented would be accessible and sustainable. The goal is to scale up these practices across Ghana and West Africa, creating a more resilient and productive yam farming system.
With yam being a staple crop in Ghana, the success of the Green Field Day is seen as a major step toward improving food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. By tackling the root causes of low productivity, poor seed quality, and disease susceptibility, researchers and farmers are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous farming future.
“Events like this are essential because they allow farmers to see the technologies in action and understand the real impact on their farms. With the knowledge they gain here, they can take their farming to the next level,” said Dr. Djana Migouna Scientist from IITA.
As the Green Field Day concluded, the excitement among farmers was evident. Many left with new knowledge, ready to implement the improved practices they had learned, and optimistic about the potential for better harvests and greater profits.
Thanks to the innovations presented, the future of yam farming in Ghana looks bright. With continued collaboration between farmers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders, the long-term goal is to expand these technologies across more regions, making high-quality seed yams and sustainable farming methods accessible to all.
For the farmers who attended, the event was more than just a learning experience, it was a glimpse into a future where farming is not only more productive but also more secure and profitable.
