The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ARIMA Farms Ghana to enhance wheat and soybean production in the country.The partnership aims to introduce newly improved, high-yielding varieties of both crops onto the Ghanaian market as part of broader efforts to boost food security.These improved crop varieties are expected to be ready for commercial use within the next three years.The MoU was signed by the Deputy Director-General of CSIR-Ghana, Professor Marian D.
Quain, and the Managing Director of ARIMA Farms Ltd, Ms Saalai Manikam, on behalf of their respective institutions.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof.
Quain underscored the vital role of scientific research in achieving national food sufficiency.She explained that the agreement would cover critical areas such as crop introduction, scientific research, soil nutrient management, capacity building, and the adoption of agricultural technologies."You can't just bring in seeds and start planting.
Any new variety must undergo extensive trials, be evaluated across the country's agro-ecological zones, and be registered with the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) before it can be utilised and CSIR is the institution mandated to provide the scientific data for this process," she stated.Prof.
