CSIR-CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE HOLDS OPEN DAY
The CSIR- Crops Research Institute (CRI) has held an Open Day on October 26, 2011 at the Institute premises at Fumesua. The Open Day was with the theme: “Harnessing Agricultural Research for National Development”.
The aims were to showcase the institute’s latest technologies in the production of maize, rice, cassava, yam, cocoyam, pepper, mangoes, citrus and other export crops, and also to interact with the general public to highlight the importance of Science and Technology to national development.
The event was attended by the Minister of Food and Agriculture Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, Representative of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Nana Darko II, Maabang Hene, Chiefs of the surrounding communities, Directors of CSIR- FORIG, BRRI, SRI, PGRRI, Directors of MoFA, processors, farmers, the media persons and students, among others.
In his welcome address, the Director of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Dr. Hans Adu-Dapaah briefed
participants on the vision, mission, mandate and the achievements of CSIR-CRI. He expressed concerned about the negative effects of climate change on crop production, and said the CSIR-CRI had taken prudent measures by developing drought and flood tolerant crop varieties, early and extra early maturing crop varieties to mitigate the effects.
In her address, the Deputy Director-General of CSIR, Dr. (Mrs.) R.E.M. Entsua Mensah, stated that inadequate funding of research by the government, low staff salaries and the rampant encroachment of the institute’s land by the surrounding communities were the challenges facing CSIR-CRI and appealed to all stakeholders to help find a lasting solution to these problems.
The Honourable Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, acknowledged the major role CSIR-Crops Research Institute has played in the development of agriculture in Ghana through a number of improved crop varieties they have released and the technologies that go with the production of these crop varieties. He stated that the increasing population and the desire to move out of poverty impose on policy makers, scientists and researchers to work in collaboration towards food security. Mr. Ahwoi expressed the preparedness of his Ministry to champion the prioritization of agriculture research focus if he could have a strategic proposal from CSIR and allied research institution in the country.
In an address read on his behalf, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II encouraged politicians to show interest in agricultural research. He also encouraged the donor community and NGOs to heed the clarion call to provide financial support to help support agricultural research.
The participants visited the research fields and laboratories of CSIR-CRI at Fumesua. There was an exhibition on improved crop varieties, and food products and drinks prepared from sweet potato developed by the Institute.