Nyankpala, Aug. 24 – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has unveiled the Ricowas project, aimed at upscaling climate-resilient rice production in West Africa. Funded by the Adaptation Fund and supported by Observatoire Du Sahara Et Du Sahel Sahara and Sahel Observatory, this initiative seeks to bolster both human and institutional capacities in Climate-Resilient Rice Production (CRRP).
The project’s objectives encompass scaling up the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which is a sustainable farming methodology designed to enhance yields while conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. It operates across seven regions in Ghana, including Northern, Upper East, Savannah, Volta, Oti, Western North, and Ashanti, with CSIR-SARI overseeing the northern sector and the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) coordinating the southern region.
Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI, emphasized the project’s aim of achieving sustainable rice production. Professor Paul F. Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, highlighted its potential to reduce rice imports and promote food security. With 15 high-quality rice varieties released within 39 years, CSIR-SARI’s Mr. Alex Yeboah encouraged the public to support locally produced, healthier Ghanaian rice.
Representing the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. John Manu, Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, pledged strategic technological support for project implementation. Dr. Issah Sugri, Senior Research Scientist and the Deputy Director at CSIR-SARI and Project Monitor, called for stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success.
The Ricowas project embodies a significant step toward enhancing rice production, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in West Africa.
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It was well launched but seed producers were not officially invited. As the chaiman and president of seedpag, i participated but i understand some activities were carried out with AEA’s of mofa and farmers but no seed grower was invited for the training program. We however welcomethese new initiatives.
Thank you for your message, and I appreciate your participation in the launch of the Ricowas project. Your presence and insights as the Chairman and President of SeedPag are highly valued.
I want to extend my sincere apologies for any oversight in not formally inviting seed producers to the training program during the launch. Your feedback is crucial, and we acknowledge the vital role that seed growers play in our agricultural ecosystem.
Your understanding of the importance of these new initiatives and your willingness to welcome them is indeed encouraging. We are committed to fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, including seed producers, to ensure the success of the Ricowas project.
Moving forward, we will make every effort to include seed growers in relevant activities and training programs associated with the project. Your expertise and contributions will be integral to achieving our shared goals in enhancing rice production and food security in West Africa.
Once again, thank you for your engagement and valuable feedback. We look forward to your continued involvement and support as we work together to make a positive impact in the agricultural sector.
Best regards,
Communication Officer