The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), in collaboration with CORAF and the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), has organised a two-day training programme for Ghanaian youth and seed growers on modern methods of food crop production.
The training forms part of efforts to promote scientific farming practices and boost agricultural productivity across the country.
Held under the theme “Training of Youth in Agriculture and Seed Growers on Good Agronomic Practices,” the workshop brought together farmers, agricultural extension officers and officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Participants were taken through improved production techniques in maize, rice, yams, soya beans and cowpea, as well as rapid multiplication of cassava planting materials, covering a full package of cereals, legumes, roots and tubers.
Speaking in an interview, the Director of CSIR-CRI, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, said the institute’s goal is to ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions on farmers’ fields.
“We have a technology park where we invite stakeholders to see and learn modern methods of crop production. Beyond the park, we expect them to implement these technologies in the field,” he explained.
According to Prof. Asante, the training targets farmers, extension officers and Ministry of Agriculture officials who will serve as key agents in transferring modern agricultural technologies to farming communities.
He stressed the need for Ghana to move away from traditional farming methods and adopt a more scientific approach to agriculture.
“It is very important that we begin to farm in a scientific manner. We cannot continue to rely on old methods when the world is moving fast. Research must lead to modern technologies, and these technologies must be transferred to the field. This will eventually improve productivity in farmers’ fields,” he said.
Prof. Asante also highlighted the importance of investment in the agricultural sector, noting that technology alone cannot drive productivity.
“Productivity doesn’t go with technology alone; it goes with investment. While we develop modern technologies and train people, investment is crucial. We therefore call on government and especially the private sector to invest in agriculture,” he stated.
He added that despite perceptions that agriculture is risky, it remains the backbone of national development.
“There is no developed nation that has not developed its agriculture in a scientific way. The only way we can feed ourselves, supply our industries and grow as a country is to invest in agriculture,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Prof. Emmanuel Otoo of CSIR-CRI, who facilitated sessions on modern yam production, said the institute’s innovations are aimed at addressing concerns that discourage youth from entering agriculture.
“The major concern among the youth is the perception that farming requires a lot of capital and physical energy,” he said.
“As a result, we have introduced modern methods and tools that make farming simpler and easier compared to the traditional methods where farmers relied heavily on physical strength,” Prof. Otoo explained.
He expressed optimism that the adoption of these modern agricultural practices would encourage more young men and women to venture into farming, contributing to food security and job creation in the country.
Source: Oyerepafmoline.com
