Ghana launches first GMO crop for commercial farming

GHANA- The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has launched the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea for commercial cultivation, the first genetically modified crop developed in Ghana. 

CSIR-SARI partnered with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the African Agriculture Technology Trust Foundation (AATF) to develop the variety. The Institute has revealed that it took more than 10 years to develop and secure the mandatory regulatory approval for its commercialization in Ghana.  

According to CSIR-SARI, the cowpea variety is resistant to disease, gives higher yields, and matures early compared to other cowpea varieties. 

However, productivity has been significantly hampered by the pod borer pest over the past few years, which can cause yield losses of up to 80%, causing economic hardship for farmers and food insecurity for many households depending on the crop.  

Professor Aggrey Ambali, Chairman, Board of Trustees, AATF, said, “By adopting the PBR cowpea, farmers can look forward to improved productivity, increased incomes, and enhanced food security. The benefits of this innovation will go a long way in contributing to poverty reduction and better livelihoods of farming communities.” 

Agribusiness stakeholders, including commercial seed producers and farmers, have lauded the move, reiterating the importance of these latest scientific developments in enhancing food security and agricultural production in Ghana.  

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) commended CSIR-SARI for sticking to field trial protocols as issued by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). 

Dr Nicholas Denwar, Chairman of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) said, “Farmers and consumers would benefit from the cowpea because of higher yields, lower cost of inputs, greater on-farm safety due to reduced pesticide usage and decreased pesticide residue on the beans.” 

The GMO variety is a first step in implementing technological solutions to food security challenges in Ghana. This sis because cowpea is an important crop for small holder farmers in Ghana and a major source of protein for many households in the country. 

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, 39.4% of the Ghanaian population (12.9 million people) are affected by moderate or severe food insecurity. 

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World. HERE