The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), in collaboration with the AfricaRice Centre, has introduced farmers to six drought-tolerant rice varieties and five hybrid rice varieties to promote sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana.

The initiative falls under the second phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Project (TAAT II) and seeks to improve rice production in the country.

Farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector gathered at the Bolgatanga Irrigation Scheme in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region to witness the field performance of these improved rice varieties. The demonstration also took place at the Tono Irrigation Scheme in the Upper East Region, reinforcing the project’s commitment to testing and validating improved agricultural technologies across various agroecological zones.

During the event, Mr. Alex Yeboah, Focal Person for TAAT II and Acting Head of the Rice Improvement Programme at CSIR-SARI, emphasized the significance of the demonstration. He stated, “Today, we are here to demonstrate the potential of climate-resilient rice varieties as a way of showcasing improved technologies to farmers.”

Mr. Yeboah highlighted that these newly introduced hybrids had not yet been officially released but were undergoing evaluation in different agroecological zones.

“These hybrids have not been released yet, but in an effort to get them released and registered, they will have to be evaluated in different agroecological zones in the country, hence farmers, agricultural extension agents, and processors have been invited to the field to appreciate their performance and also help in their selection.”
Mr. Yeboah

He further noted that the event aimed to provide farmers with firsthand knowledge of the yield potential, growth duration, and resilience of these varieties. “It is important to highlight the yield potential and growth duration of the varieties while allowing farmers to observe and make informed choices to improve their fortunes in the agricultural sector,” he added.

Advantages of the Improved Varieties

The newly introduced rice varieties boast several advantages over conventional ones. They are drought-tolerant, which means they require less water to thrive, making them ideal for regions affected by erratic rainfall patterns. Additionally, these varieties mature faster than traditional ones, ensuring a shorter cultivation cycle and allowing farmers to harvest their crops sooner.

Mr. Fuseini Shahadu, an Agricultural Extension Agent in the Kumbungu District who supported the field establishment, confirmed these benefits. He stated, “The fields were established when the season was over, but they took a smaller number of days to mature compared to most varieties cultivated at the scheme.” This characteristic is particularly advantageous for farmers, as it enables them to produce more rice within a shorter timeframe, thereby increasing overall productivity and profitability.

Farmers who participated in the event expressed optimism about the potential of the new rice varieties. Madam Fatimatu Imoro, one of the farmers who actively engaged in transplanting and other field activities, shared her excitement about the yield potential. “I have noticed that these varieties are different from what I cultivated over the years; the yield is good compared to the ones I have in my farm. This is what I will be cultivating in the future,” she stated.

Her enthusiasm was echoed by several other farmers who were impressed by the high yields and resilience of the varieties. Many of them expressed interest in adopting these improved varieties for future farming seasons, as they recognized their potential to enhance food security and economic stability.

The introduction of these drought-tolerant, high-yielding rice varieties marks a significant step toward improving rice production in Ghana. By incorporating advanced agricultural technologies, CSIR-SARI and its partners are equipping farmers with the tools needed to combat the challenges posed by climate change and ensure sustainable food production.

This initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader agricultural development agenda, which seeks to enhance productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce the country’s dependence on rice imports. As more farmers adopt these improved rice varieties, Ghana’s rice production capacity is expected to grow, fostering food security and economic growth in the long term.