CSIR calls for preservation of plant genetic resources

Prof Emmanuel Owusu-Bennoah, Director General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has appealed to the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) to play its mandated role of preserving plant genetic resources of the country.

He said that role was very unique and crucial to the very existence of plants.

Prof Owusu-Bennoah, who was inaugurating a seven-member Management Board of the PGRRI at Bunso on Tuesday, expressed worry that most plant genetic resources like grass cutters, snails among others were gradually disappearing and urged the institute to live up to expectation.

He said creative and commercially sound linkages should be established with the private sector to come out with demand-driven research programmes for effective and financially rewarding commercial operations in the institute.

Prof Owusu-Bennoah congratulated members of the board on their appointment and expressed optimism that they would bring their varied experiences to bear on the activities of the institute to ensure objectives are achieved at the end of their three-year term.

Mr Wilson Attah Krofa, Chairman of the Management Board, expressed his gratitude for the appointment and said they would work hard to make the institute viable.

He said 40 percent of their time would be devoted to finding money for the institute while the other 60 percent would be for conducting research.

Mr Attah Krofa said there was strong demand for medicinal plants overseas and that they would identify species that could be nursed for export.

Dr Lawrence Misa Aboagye, Acting Director PGRRI, expressed his gratitude to the government, the CSIR management, the Management Boards and donors for supporting the institute over the past 14 years.