CSIR-CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT’S FEED GHANA PROGRAMME
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Government of Ghana on the newly launched Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative designed to promote food self-sufficiency and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
In an exclusive interview with CRI-TV, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR-CRI, expressed the institute’s preparedness to contribute its scientific expertise, advanced research capabilities, and improved crop technologies to support the programme’s successful implementation.
Prof. Asante highlighted that four major components of the Feed Ghana Programme fall squarely within CSIR-CRI’s mandate:
- – Grains and Legumes Component
- – Starchy crops component
- – Vegetable Development Project (Yeredua)
- – Support for Institutional Farming Initiative
Under the Grains and Legume Component, Prof. Asante revealed that CSIR-CRI has over the years developed numerous high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties tailored to Ghana’s diverse agro-ecological zones. These include improved varieties of rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and groundnut etc — many of which are already being cultivated by farmers nationwide. We can provide seed to support the program.
For starchy crops, the CSIR-CRI is a regional center of excellence in root and tuber crops. We can recommend varieties of the various root tuber crops and produce disease-free plant materials to support the programme.
“Our work goes beyond developing new crop varieties,” Prof. Asante explained. “We also focus on agronomic practices, soil fertility and water management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest technologies — all crucial components to achieving the targets of the Feed Ghana Programme.”
Addressing the Vegetable Development Project (Yeredua), Prof. Asante noted that CSIR-CRI has released several improved vegetable varieties, including two new tomato types: CRI-Kwabena Kwabena and CRI-KOPIA. He emphasized the importance of utilizing these locally developed seeds for the programme rather than relying on imported ones, which would only increase the national import bill. He further urged the Government to support private sector enterprises to engage in the mass production of these tomato seeds, while the institute continues to provide technical backstopping. This, he said, would not only benefit the programme but also strengthen the local economy.
On the Support for Institutional Farming Initiative, Prof. Asante shared that CSIR-CRI has over 1,000 hectares of land, part of which can be made available for commercial farming under the programme. Beyond food production, such a farm would serve as a model training ground for farmers, agricultural students, and other stakeholders.
He underscored the importance of establishing strong linkages between programme initiatives and institutions like CSIR-CRI, adding that the institute is ready to train extension officers and farmers, offer advisory services on cropping systems, and collaborate with both public and private entities to disseminate improved technologies to farming communities.
“It’s clear that a research institute like CSIR-CRI should play a central role in implementing this programme. Beyond commercial farming, we can provide seeds, technical support, and training for stakeholders across the value chain,” he affirmed.
Prof. Asante concluded by calling on stakeholders across the agricultural value chain — including private agribusinesses, input suppliers, financial institutions, and development partners — to work closely with research institutions such as CSIR-CRI to drive the programme’s success.
“Food security is a national priority that demands a united, evidence-based approach. This is a unique opportunity for collaborative interventions that can uplift our farmers and transform the economy,” he stated.
The Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) is a core initiative under the Government of Ghana’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). The programme aims to modernize agriculture, create jobs, reduce food inflation, and stimulate agro-industrial development. Key features of the FGP include prioritizing strategic commodities like maize, rice, and cocoa, and promoting smart farming practices nationwide. A major innovation under the programme is the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres to provide mechanization services and technical support to farmers.
About CSIR-Crops Research Institute
Founded in 1964 and based in Fumesua, near Kumasi, the CSIR-Crops Research Institute is Ghana’s foremost research institution for the development of improved food and industrial crops. The institute’s mandate includes generating and disseminating cutting-edge crop technologies to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and improve rural livelihoods.
Over the years, CSIR-CRI has played a pivotal role in addressing national agricultural challenges — from crop production and pest management to climate change adaptation and value addition — significantly contributing to Ghana’s agricultural progress
Authors: Bernard Sakyiamah, Dennis Gyasi Boakye, Enoch Bobie Agyemang.
