By Albert Futukpor
Sanzee (N/R), Mov 11, GNA – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has held field days in two communities in the Northern Region to promote two newly released high-yielding cowpea varieties.
The varieties Awudu Benga and Kanton Bongdaa to farmers were demonstrated at Sanzee in the Mion District and Gbambu in the Gushegu Municipality.
The field days were to demonstrate the potential of varieties in addressing production challenges as well as train farmers in proven production practices to increase cowpea production and productivity.
The two events, attended by over 400 farmers (majority being women and youth) at both Sanzee and Gbambu among other stakeholders, formed part of the project: “Scale-Up of Legume Systems Innovation Lab-Developed New Cowpea Variety Releases in Ghana”, funded by the Legume Systems Innovation Lab.
Dr Emmanuel Yaw Owusu, a Cowpea Breeder at CSIR-SARI, provided farmers with insights into the distinct features of the new cowpea varieties during the events.
He highlighted the improved grain yields (2.52 and 2.62 tonnes per hectare respectively), drought tolerance, pests and diseases resistance, early maturing (65-70 days), and high nutritional values of Awudu Benga and Kanton Bongdaa.
He explained how varieties could help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change to achieve high productivity and improve their livelihoods, food and nutrition security.
He said with pods positioned above canopy, the varieties were easy to harvest both manually and mechanically adding “Their short cooking times and high nutritional content-including iron, calcium, and zinc further add to their appeal amongst households.”
Mr Frederick Awuku, a Molecular Breeder at CSIR-SARI, trained the participants on good agronomic practices sharing practical strategies for optimising crop health and productivity.
He touched on topics such as planting quality seeds of improved cowpea varieties, land preparation, planting techniques, time of planting, pests’ management, efficient use of resources and post-harvest management.
The training was to equip the farmers with actionable techniques to maximise the potential of the new cowpea varieties in their fields.
Dr Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI and the project’s Principal Investigator, who was represented, said “The field days are valuable opportunities for farmers to see, touch and learn about varieties that have been specifically bred for the conditions here in northern Ghana and beyond.”
He added that “Our aim is to empower these farmers with knowledge and access to seeds that can transform their harvests and income.”
Mr Adam Napari, a farmer from Sanzee, who was part of the participants, said “I learnt a lot today about the best ways to plant and care for these new cowpeas.”
He added that “I feel better prepared to improve my farm’s yield, which will help me get more income and nutritious cowpea to feed my family.”
Mr Abukari Kudus, Agricultural Extension Agent for the Sanzee community, encouraged the farmers to adopt the new varieties and implement the recommended agronomic practices to boost their yields and incomes.
GNA