REVOLUTIONARIZING WHEAT PRODUCTION IN GHANA: CSIR-CRI AND ARIMA FARMS LEAD THE WAY
In a historic move to enhance Ghana’s food security and reduce the country’s dependency on wheat imports, the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and Arima Farms have launched a novel wheat initiative aimed at introducing high-yielding, climate-resilient wheat varieties suited to Ghana’s agricultural conditions.
Ghana imports over $400 million worth of wheat annually, with demand rising due to increasing consumption of wheat-based products such as bread, pasta, and pastries. However, the country’s dependency on foreign wheat makes it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. The CSIR-CRI Wheat Initiative seeks to address this challenge by developing locally adapted wheat varieties, creating a sustainable wheat value chain, and empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to cultivate wheat successfully.
The launch event, held at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) in Kumasi, brought together scientists, industry stakeholders, and local farmers to witness this transformative initiative.
In his keynote address, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR-CRI, highlighted the significance of the initiative in achieving agricultural self-sufficiency. “Ghana’s heavy reliance on wheat imports is unsustainable in the long run. Through this initiative, CSIR-CRI aims to identify and develop wheat varieties that can thrive in our local environment, ensuring that we have a stable, homegrown supply of this essential grain,” he stated.
The project will involve research & development, seed breeding & improvement, farmer training & capacity building, as well as industry collaboration. The initiative will build a strong wheat value chain that ensures market access for locally grown wheat.
Dr. Felix Frimpong, a Research Scientist of the CSIR-CRI and the project lead of the initiative, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the project partners, ARIMA Farms, CIMMYT, the Indian High Commission, project team members, and all stakeholders. He indicated that the project team members were very excited to finally have their efforts yield results. “Wheat is traditionally grown in temperate regions, but with advancements in breeding and agronomic practices, we are confident that Ghana can develop a sustainable wheat industry. This will not only boost food security but also create thousands of jobs in agriculture, processing, and distribution,” Dr. Frimpong stated.
He also called on the National Varietal Release and Registration Committee (NVRRC) to expedite action on approvals to ensure that farmers can cultivate without delay.
The Managing Director of ARIMA Farms, Madam Saalai Manikam, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and emphasized its importance in reducing the close to USD 400 million-dollar annual import bill on wheat in the country. “We are excited to join forces with CSIR-CRI, a renowned institution, to expand our sustainable farming efforts. By working together, we hope to not only increase crop yields but also contribute to environmental conservation and promote responsible agricultural practices,” she said.
She further indicated that beyond wheat, ARIMA is also working with other scientists from the Institute on soybean and tomato production.
Local farmers and agribusiness stakeholders have expressed strong support for the initiative. Mr. Daniel Antwi, a farmer, said, “If we can successfully grow wheat in Ghana, it will be a game-changer. Farmers will have a new profitable crop to cultivate, and our economy will benefit from reduced import costs.”
This initiative is a major step toward reducing Ghana’s dependency on wheat imports, strengthening the local economy, and positioning the country as a leader in wheat production in West Africa.
