The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) in Ghana has embarked on an innovative partnership with ARIMA Farms to enhance wheat and soybean production in the country. This collaboration aims to boost agricultural productivity and promote food security in Ghana.
CSIR-CRI is a leading research institution in Ghana, specializing in crop research and development. Their expertise in agricultural science and technology is well-recognized, making them a key player in driving advancements in the country’s agricultural sector.
ARIMA Farms, is an agribusiness enterprise that focuses on sustainable farming practices and the production of high-quality crops. The farm has established itself as a leader in promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture. The partnership between CSIR-CRI and ARIMA Farms is expected to make significant contributions to the agricultural landscape of Ghana. One of the primary objectives of this collaboration is to increase the production of wheat and soybeans, which are important staple crops in the country. Wheat is a crucial ingredient in bread and pasta production, while soybeans are widely used in the production of various food products and as a source of vegetable oil. In addition to providing funding for the project, ARIMA Farms will also provide capacity building and training opportunities for CSIR-CRI staff, irrigation and mechanisation facilities as well. It is envisaged that about 10,000 hectares of these crops will be established by ARIMA Farms commercially. The CSIR-Crops Research Institute on the other hand will provide technical backstopping for the project.
During a meeting on Monday, 23rd October, 2023, to primarily deepen ties between the two institutions, Prof. Moses Brandford Mochiah, the Director of CSIR-CRI, expressed his enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, “This partnership is a remarkable step forward in our efforts to advance agriculture in Ghana. We believe that by combining the scientific expertise of CSIR-CRI with the practical experience of ARIMA Farms, we can significantly boost the production of these essential crops.” Other members of the team included Dr. Kennedy Agyeman, Dr. agr. Felix Frimpong, Dr. Sylvester Addy, Dr. Agbeshie Keteku and Mr. Paul Marno.
The Managing Director of ARIMA Farms, Madam Saalai Manikam, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and emphasized its importance in reducing the close to 700 million dollar annual import bill on wheat and soyabean 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.
This partnership will include collaborative research and development projects, knowledge-sharing, and training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of local farmers. By sharing their collective expertise, CSIR-CRI and ARIMA Farms aspire to empower farmers in the Ashanti Region and beyond, enabling them to adopt best practices and boost their agricultural productivity.
It is hoped that this collaboration will eventually lead to the development and release of resilient improved varieties of wheat and soybean that are high yielding, early maturing as well as pests and disease tolerant.
The CSIR-CRI-ARIMA Farms collaboration is set to be a milestone in the advancement of agricultural practices in Ghana, with a strong focus on wheat and soybean production. The resulting benefits are expected to improve food security, stimulate economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability in the region. This partnership showcases the potential for the private and public sectors to work hand-in-hand to address critical agricultural challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future in Ghana.
Authors: Dr. Felix Frimpong, Dr. Kennedy Agyeman, Bernard Sakyiamah, Enoch Bobie Agyemang, Dennis Gyasi Boakye
