The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Savannah Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) in the Northern Region has successfully launched the first genetically engineered cowpea variety, named Songotra-T.
This innovative crop is resistant to the destructive Maruca pod borer insect, tackling the problem of significant yield loss in cowpea production. Songotra-T cowpea is scientifically designed to be resistant to Maruca vitrata, high-yielding, early maturing, and highly nutritious.
Maruca pod borers cause extensive damage to cowpea crops, including leaves, flowers, and the quantity and quality of grains, resulting in severe yield loss.
Traditional control methods involving frequent and expensive spraying of insecticides have proven to be economically burdensome for farmers. Furthermore, the use of unapproved insecticides poses long-term health risks for both farmers and consumers.
To overcome this challenge, CSIR-SARI, in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and with funding from USAID, has successfully developed and rigorously tested the Songotra-T cowpea variety.
This genetically engineered cowpea incorporates the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene, providing robust resistance to the Maruca pod borer. After over a decade of groundbreaking research and development, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the National Seed Council (NSC) have unequivocally approved the registration, release, and commercial cultivation of Songotra-T in Ghana.
This approval marks a significant milestone in the utilisation of genetically engineered crops to address pressing agricultural challenges.
During the launch of the first genetically modified cowpea crop in Nyankpala in the Northern region, the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Paul Bosu, emphatically highlighted the significance of the newly introduced cowpea variety. Professor Bosu stressed that CSIR-SARI is setting the pace and achieving historic milestones in the country, which is a mark of dedication.
“I am delighted that our efforts to make PBR cowpea accessible to farmers have been successful.”
Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to increase their wealth and output.
Professor Paul Bosu reiterated the institute’s commitment to using science to improve agriculture. “In agriculture, we are committed to safely using biotechnological approaches, such as genetic modification techniques, to address food security concerns.”
Professor Paul Bosu emphasized the institute’s commitment to using science to improve agriculture.
The Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Canisius Kanangire, revealed in an interview with Noah Nash Hoenyefia that the mission of the foundation is still on course as they are empowering smallholder farmers with innovative agricultural technologies that increase productivity, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods.
He lauded the government’s achievements in the various regulatory framework establishments.
“We must remain vigilant and adaptable. Issues such as climate change, pest outbreaks, and market volatility require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts,” he cautioned.
Dr. Canisius Kanangire further called for the strengthening of the seed system to enhance successful commercialization. “The next phase of this extensive journey involves strengthening public-private partnerships to formalise the cowpea seed system.
Enhanced market connections and business opportunities are anticipated to support the successful commercialization of this resilient cowpea variety in Ghana,” he stated.
Professor Aggrey Ambali, chairman of the Board of Trustees, AATF, said, “The introduction of PBR cowpea is a game changer. By embracing scientifically proven and safe technologies, Ghana is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural innovation in the region.”
Mohammed Abdulai, a cowpea farmer in Nyankpala who participated in the farmer field trial, expressed his happiness that the government had approved the use of the seed.
He said, “When I first planted the songotra and followed the agronomic practices, the leaves were green and broad until the harvest. I was surprised that after spraying twice, I never found pests around. At the flowering stage, while other farmers’ fields were invaded by the Maruca pest, I had little of that on the farm. We are grateful that, one can make some profit from growing beans,” he recounted with joy.
Mohammed was very thankful to SARI for allowing him to experience the best practices. He attributed it to the agronomic practices he had followed and the effectiveness of the pesticides he had used.
He was confident that he could continue to make a profit from growing beans.
Farmers and seed producers in the Northern Region pledged their support to promote the new cowpea variety among farmers in the Northern Region.
