Introduction
Maize farmers in Ghana face an annual loss of up to 45% of their yield due to the devastating impact of the Fall Armyworm (FAW), threatening both livelihoods and food security. To address this challenge, CSIR-SARI has developed an innovative FAW-resistant maize variety. With attributes such as pest resistance, early maturity, drought tolerance, and superior grain quality, this groundbreaking solution is transforming maize farming. Since its introduction, the variety has sparked significant interest among farmers and seed producers, with demand further boosted by its successful demonstration at the Agricultural Technology Park, which has hosted over 692 visitors this year alone.

A Breeder’s Vision
At the heart of this innovation is Dr. Isaac Amegbor, a renowned maize breeder at CSIR-SARI. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the development, Dr. Amegbor said, “The Fall Armyworm has been a persistent problem for our farmers. Our goal was to create a solution that would not only protect crops but also provide nutritional and economic benefits. This variety is a step towards empowering farmers and enhancing food security.”

The variety has been specially bred to withstand harsh farming conditions, combining pest resistance with early maturity and high productivity. These attributes, coupled with its demonstration at the Technology Park, have bolstered farmer confidence and demand.

The Role of the Technology Park
The Agricultural Technology Park at CSIR-SARI has played a pivotal role in promoting the FAW-resistant maize variety. Farmers, seed producers, and agribusiness stakeholders visiting the park witnessed firsthand how the variety performs under real-world conditions. Through interactive demonstrations and engagement sessions, farmers gained practical insights into the benefits of adopting the technology.

Mr. Alhassan Seidu, a farmer from Tolon remarked during a visit, “Seeing the results here at the Technology Park convinced me that this variety is what I need to protect my crops and increase my yield.” By bridging the gap between research and field application, the park has created a platform for farmers to make informed decisions, driving adoption and demand.

Seed Producer Commitment
Brakatu Farms, a seed producer in Ghana, has embraced the FAW-resistant maize with remarkable enthusiasm. The company has pre-paid 60% of the cost for foundation seeds to plant 10 hectares, for certified seed production. “The Technology Park gave us the assurance we needed. Farmers are excited about this variety because it’s a real solution to the Fall Armyworm problem. As a seed producer, it aligns with our vision of empowering farmers with cutting-edge technologies,” said Mr. Edward Kyei head of Brakatu Farms.

This significant commitment is a testament to the park’s success in creating awareness and generating demand for the FAW-resistant maize variety.

Farmer Anticipation
The enthusiasm among farmers is growing. Alhassan Abu, a maize farmer from Tolon, shared his excitement about adopting the variety. “The Fall Armyworm destroyed a significant portion of my maize last year. This new variety gives me hope. Seeing it at the Technology Park proved it works. I am eager to see how it performs in my fields,” he said.

For farmers like Abu, the combination of practical demonstrations at the park and the promise of reduced losses offers both economic relief and optimism for the future.

The Broader Impact
The FAW-resistant maize variety is more than just a pest solution; it is a transformative agricultural innovation. By reducing the burden of pest control, farmers save on input costs while improving productivity and incomes. The ripple effect includes improved food security, enhanced farmer resilience, and increased adoption of modern farming technologies. The Technology Park has amplified these benefits by serving as a hub for knowledge sharing and technology promotion, reaching hundreds of farmers and stakeholders.

Conclusion
CSIR-SARI’s Fall Armyworm-resistant maize variety stands as a testament to the power of agricultural research and innovation. With the support of the Technology Park, breeders like Dr. Amegbor, seed producers like Brakatu Farms, and enthusiastic farmers such as Alhassan Abu, this variety is poised to transform maize farming in Ghana. By addressing a pressing challenge with a sustainable solution, CSIR-SARI is driving progress toward a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.