The CSIR- Soil Research Institute (SRI) has developed a new online platform on soil resources in Ghana as part of the Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (MAG) Programme. Specifically, the online soil map platform is to enhance soil information and data accessibility, availability and acquisition.

Following several partnerships, the CSIR-Soil Research Institute has completed the migration of its existing analog maps into a digital format. The web-based interactive platform contains digitized soil maps of specific locations, soil characteristics and appropriate nutrients and mineral requirements for key crops in each agro-ecological zone of the country. One can access soil map platform on www.csirsoilinfo.org.

According to Prof Paul Bosu, CSIR’s Deputy Director-General, the digitized soil map platform has been rolled out to support the development and growth of sustainable agriculture in the country.

“… we are on course towards helping the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) build a modern agricultural system for Ghana.”

Moreover, Prof Mohammed Moro Buri, the CSIR-Soil Research Institute’s Director intimated that the platform is a sustainable support system to modernize soil resources management. In effect, this will contribute to increased agricultural productivity thereby enhancing food security and reducing poverty, he added.

“This will contribute to the realization of MAG objectives, outcomes and long-term impacts; ultimately ensuring food security; facilitating the production of agricultural raw materials for industrial and agricultural commodities for export.”

The Principal Technologist, CSIR-SRI, Eric Asamoah, demonstrated how users can benefit from the platform. He said one can get information on the selection of suitable soil physical and chemical characteristics for the cultivation of crops by a click of the button. He intimated that one can estimate the fertilizer requirements for a given area or crop in advance before project implementation.

“ Also, agriculture investors could have better information and input for drawing business plans.”

Contributions towards Sustainable Agriculture

Over the past year, CSIR has benefitted from the MAG Programme towards the acceleration of agricultural innovation. Last year, the institute obtained financial support to develop a Digital Agricultural Innovation Hub to facilitate access to agricultural technology. CSIR worked closely with the MOFA Directorate of Extension Services (DAES) towards improving the delivery of agricultural extension service in Ghana

According to Prof. Bosu, they have strengthened and sustained the RELCs system (Research Extension-farmer Linkage Committees); and delivered quality and timely extension support to our hardworking farmers throughout the country. He said CSIR-SRI will continue to work to improve upon available data for a better understanding of Ghana’s soils.

Moreover, the Principal Technologist, stressed that they plan to continuously add more data and more information to the platform. He added that his outfit will ensure the sustenance of the platform for the benefits of farmers.

On her part, Mrs Ruby Neils-Palme, the MAG Programme Coordinator expressed that her outfit hopes to see the new platform living up to the expectation.