The CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), in partnership with the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Peanut (PIL), recently held its highly anticipated Green Field Day. The event brought together farmers, researchers, out-grower businesses, and agricultural service providers to share transformative insights into groundnut production. This initiative, part of the Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) program, aims to revolutionize farming practices in northern Ghana by equipping local communities with the knowledge and tools to enhance groundnut yield and quality.
The Green Field Day served as a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, engaging participants in hands-on demonstrations and discussions about cutting-edge agricultural practices. Held at key sites including Nyankpala, Tingoli, Zagbang, and Tuyini, the event underscored CSIR-SARI’s commitment to addressing the longstanding challenges in groundnut farming, such as low yields, pest infestations, and poor market quality.
At the heart of the event was the introduction of innovative farming techniques tailored to the region’s unique challenges. Farmers were guided through practices such as optimizing harvest timing to ensure that groundnuts reach their full potential, and proper plant spacing to maximize resource efficiency and increase yields. These demonstrations highlighted the impact of simple yet effective changes in farm management, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among the participants.
One of the highlights of the Green Field Day was the unveiling of SARI Nut 2, a high-yielding and disease-resistant groundnut variety developed to meet the specific needs of Ghanaian farmers. SARI Nut 2’s introduction has been met with excitement, as it offers double the yield of traditional varieties such as the widely used Chinese groundnut. Its resistance to leaf spot and other common diseases ensures that farmers can achieve not only higher yields but also better quality produce for local and international markets.
Farmers who participated shared compelling testimonials about the impact of the project on their livelihoods. A lead farmer from Tingoli explained how shifting from traditional broadcasting to row planting has led to remarkable improvements in yield. Another farmer, deeply moved by the results, encouraged his peers to adopt timely harvesting practices, noting that both early and late harvesting negatively impact yield and quality. Such stories demonstrate how these interventions are reshaping attitudes and practices in farming communities, paving the way for sustainable agricultural development.
The benefits of the Green Field Day extend far beyond individual farms. Improved groundnut quality has the potential to transform the entire value chain, creating opportunities for local and international trade. Farmers can expect higher incomes, while consumers enjoy healthier, aflatoxin-free groundnuts. The emphasis on pest and weed management, coupled with the adoption of improved varieties, is expected to enhance food security and community health in the long term.
CSIR-SARI’s approach to this initiative has been deeply collaborative, involving partnerships with USAID’s Market Systems and Resilience program, agricultural extension agents, and lead farmers. This inclusive strategy ensures that the knowledge shared during the Green Field Day reaches a wide audience, including small-scale farmers who are often overlooked in large-scale agricultural interventions.
Looking ahead, CSIR-SARI plans to expand its outreach efforts by establishing additional demonstration sites managed by farmers and community organizations. By transferring ownership and responsibility to local stakeholders, the institute hopes to create a sustainable model of agricultural innovation and adoption.
The success of the Green Field Day reaffirms CSIR-SARI’s role as a leader in agricultural research and development in Ghana. Through events like this, the institute continues to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
For more updates on CSIR-SARI’s initiatives and the ongoing transformation of Ghana’s agricultural landscape, stay connected with our website and social media platforms.