Enhancing Rice Productivity in Ghana through Science-Based Farming Practices

Strategic Insights -

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KOPIA Ghana have embarked on an initiative to promote science-based farming practices among rice farmers in Ghana, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce rice importation. Through a sensitization programme, researchers, extension officers, and hundreds of farmers came together to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient rice varieties suitable for Ghana's ecosystem. Key stakeholders, including CSIR officials and KOPIA Ghana's Country Director, emphasized the importance of scientific support and investment in transforming Ghana's rice sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CSIR and KOPIA Ghana have engaged rice farmers at the Dawhenya irrigation enclave to promote science-based farming practices, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient rice varieties.
  • Professor Mrs. Marian Quain, Deputy Director-General of CSIR, stressed the strategic importance of rice to national food security and called for increased investment and scientific support to transform Ghana's rice sector.
  • Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, highlighted several high-yielding rice varieties developed for Ghana's agro-ecological zones, including AGRA rice, Ena rice, Agyapa rice, and CRI-Amankwatia.
  • The CSIR has developed a range of technologies to boost productivity, improve post-harvest handling, and enhance resilience to climate change.
  • KOPIA Ghana's Country Director, Mr. Young Jin Kim, reaffirmed Korea's commitment to supporting Ghana's rice production agenda through technical cooperation, research, and training.
  • Farmers at the event expressed appreciation for the initiative and appealed for timely access to inputs, machinery, and markets to complement research efforts.

Statistics:

  • The sensitisation programme brought together researchers, extension officers, and hundreds of farmers to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient rice varieties.
  • Professor Mrs. Marian Quain emphasized the need to reduce rice importation significantly through the right technologies and support systems.
  • Professor Maxwell Darko Asante highlighted the development of high-yielding rice varieties for Ghana's agro-ecological zones.
  • KOPIA Ghana's Country Director, Mr. Young Jin Kim, noted that Korea once faced similar challenges in rice production but overcame them through science and strong government commitment.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (25 July 2025)