
Gushegu (N/R), – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) organized a stakeholders’ engagement in Gushegu to showcase newly developed varieties of pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut. The event highlighted the agronomic and economic benefits of these crops, aimed at improving productivity, ensuring food security, and building climate resilience among farmers in the region.
The engagement drew participation from farmers, seed companies, agro-dealers, policymakers, NGOs, and development partners, fostering discussions around adoption strategies and addressing the challenges of seed dissemination. Participants were also introduced to the benefits of transitioning from traditional seed systems to a market-driven approach, ensuring access to seeds tailored to the agro-ecological and market needs of farmers.
Dr. Kenneth Opare Obuobi, emphasized the commitment of CSIR-SARI to supporting farmers with high-quality, high-yielding seed varieties. He noted that the newly introduced varieties are not only resistant to pests and diseases but also adapted to withstand climate change impacts. He stated, “Our goal is to provide farmers with varieties that meet their specific needs, ensuring that both productivity and income levels are improved significantly.”
One of the key highlights was the introduction of the new sorghum variety, Atokplechi, which was lauded for its dual-purpose functionality—providing both quality grains and fodder—and its resilience to pest attacks. Speaking about the variety, Dr. Obuobi noted, “Atokplechi is a game-changer for farmers, offering multiple benefits in a single crop and reducing the risks associated with pest damage.”
The groundnut program also took center stage, with Dr. Richard Oteng Frimpong and his team unveiling six new drought-tolerant varieties, SARI-NAT 3 to SARI-NAT 8. These varieties, developed to provide both grains for human consumption and biomass for livestock feed, were described as a “three-in-one solution” for farmers. Farmers in attendance expressed excitement about the prospects of these varieties, with one stating, “These varieties are the answer to our challenges. They provide more value and are tailored to our needs.”
Pearl millet was also discussed, with emphasis on its dual-purpose nature and its resistance to common diseases and pests. The millet variety was highlighted for its unique bristle feature, which deters birds and ensures better yields for farmers.
Dr. Peter Asungre encouraged stakeholders to work collaboratively, stating, “This engagement is not only about showcasing new varieties but also about building partnerships. Your feedback is critical to ensuring that we continue to provide solutions that work for you. We urge farmers to adopt these varieties and share their experiences to promote widespread adoption.”
In closing, representatives from seed companies present at the event assured farmers of the availability of these varieties and committed to facilitating access through strategic collaborations.
The Gushegu event underscored CSIR-SARI’s dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices through innovation, partnerships, and farmer-centered solutions, driving the vision of climate-resilient agriculture in Northern Ghana.