By Albert Futukpor
Salaga (S/R), Oct 04, GNA – A Green Field Day has been held in several rural communities in the northern sector to showcase to farmers an agricultural innovation that promises to transform yam farming in the country.
Communities including Lantikpa (North East Gonja District, Savannah Region) and Gushei (Savelugu Municipality, Northern Region) brought together researchers, farmers and agricultural stakeholders to witness first-hand the impact of new technologies and improved agricultural practices.
Organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), under the Program for Seed System Innovation for Vegetally Propagated Crops (VPCs) in Africa (APPLY) .
It sought to address some of the most pressing challenges facing yam farmers, such as poor seed quality, low germination rates, and pest and disease outbreaks.
The event focused on introducing participants to new production techniques for seeding and improved yam varieties, which were already showing tremendous promise in boosting yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
There has been the introduction of an innovative yam seed technology that uses leaf bud cuttings to produce seeds for high quality seeds.
This technique offered a solution to the traditional method of planting large tubers, which were often susceptible to diseases and pests leading to low productivity.
Dr Kwabena Darkwa, a researcher at CSIR-SARI, said technology now plays an important role in increasing agricultural production.
He said: “Using leaf bud cuttings, farmers can now grow healthier yam plants that germinate faster and resist disease better. Improved seed technology addresses the issue of seed quality, which has been a long-standing challenge for yam farmers in Ghana.”
Farmers were also introduced to two new high-yielding yam varieties. ‘Mankrong Pona and Kpamyo’, which are tolerant to the main diseases affecting yam crops.
These varieties respond well to the leaf bud cutting method and are expected to revolutionize yam farming in the country.
One of the highlights of the Green Field Day was the interaction between researchers and farmers, as the latter saw the practical benefits of the new techniques.
Many of them were impressed by the healthy growth, canopy cover and tuber size of the improved yam varieties, especially compared to traditional methods.
Mr. Kasim Tahiru, a yam farmer from nearby Kanankule community, shared his experience, saying “I have always used the traditional method of planting large yam tubers, but I had many problems with diseases and poor germination.”
He said he was present when the field was planted using the new seed yam technology and looking at the yam seed size of the improved varieties, he did not expect the tubers to be larger than the traditional variety, which had a larger yam. which is planted.
“Also, the improved varieties were stronger and healthier and I can see that making a big difference to my farm,” he said.
Farmers also had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas with experts and participate in hands-on demonstrations led by Mr. Ibrahim Sayibu, Technical Officer at CSIR-SARI, making the event very interactive.
The innovations showcased at the Green Field Day are expected to have a far-reaching impact on both the agricultural economy and the livelihoods of farmers.
Dr Emmanuel Amponsah Adjei, a researcher at CSIR-SARI, addressing the farmers at Gushie site, said the new seed technology is not only about growing more yams, but giving farmers the tools they need to thrive economically.
He said farmers adopting these methods could turn their farms into businesses, selling high-quality seeds and improving their incomes.
Dr Djana Migouna, a scientist from IITA, acknowledged that events like these were necessary because they allowed farmers to see the technologies in action and understand the real impact on their farms.
He said it was expected that with the knowledge gained, the farmers would be able to take their farming to the next level.
GNA