New maize and rice varieties released to boost agric production

The National Variety Release Committee has introduced eight improved rice and maize crop varieties to boost Ghana's agricultural production and increase farmers' income.

They include four new varieties of high yielding and disease resistant rice and four drought-tolerant maize varieties. Four cassava varieties released last October, have also been outdoored.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is confident the improved crop varieties would benefit both domestic and industrial consumers when grown by farmers.

The new crops were developed by the Crops Research Institute and Savanna Agricultural Institute of the CSIR, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry.

Chairman of the Variety Release Committee, Kwaku Nicol, announced the new maize varieties have high quality protein, with an early maturing period of between 75 and 110 days. He notes the new yellow maize variety would impact on the poultry industry.

The new rice varieties are to be re-named. But Mr. Nicol, who is also a Director at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, says a Rice Board will soon be established with a view to grow the local production of the staple food.

Director General of the CSIR, Dr. Abdulai Baba Salifu noted that real partnerships through skills transfer, agric mechanization and modern technology for agro-processing and manufacturing would help increase Ghana's agriculture's annual growth beyond six percent.

He says the CSIR is capable of delivering on its mandate given the right research support through real investments in Research and Development, including satisfactory working conditions for scientists and supporting staff.

Meanwhile, a Pest and Disease Manual for citrus has been launched to support citrus farming enterprises in Ghana.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh