High yielding maize developed

A NEW high-yielding protein maize known as mamaba has been developed for farmers in the Upper West Region.

The new variety was developed through the collaborative efforts of Technoserve, a non-governmental organisation, the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

In an address at a farmers’ field day at Jujeidayiri in the Wa District, the Public Affairs Manager of Technoserve, Mr Wusah Manga, said the improved hybrid maize has the potential of yielding 20 bags per acre as compared to five by the local variety. He explained that the field day was organised for the farmers as a result of their failure to adopt and cultivate the new variety.

Mr Manga attributed this to the lack of concrete demonstration of results and the belief by farmers that results obtained from research plots cannot be attained on the farmers’ own farm. He said Technoserve is not imposing the new variety on the farmers but will try to encourage them to cultivate it. Mr Manga entreated farmers present at the ceremony as well as agricultural extension officers to assist in disseminating the technology in order to improve the yields of other farmers.

In a keynote address, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Sahanun Mogtari, said it is the aim of the government to modernise agriculture in the country. He said the government will continue to open up more food-growing areas by constructing new feeder roads and also offering credit facilities to farmers.

He announced that the Bilibo Dam at Wa is to be reconstructed while others at Singbakpong, another one in Wa and Jawia in the Sissala District are to be constructed. Mr Mogtari urged research institutions to take up the challenge and come out with innovations that will boost agriculture.

The District Chief Executive for Wa, Mr Godfrey Tangu, commended Technoserve for its support to farmers in the region.