Dawhenya: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KOPIA Ghana have engaged rice farmers at the Dawhenya irrigation enclave to promote science-based farming practices aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing rice importation.

According to Ghana News Agency, the sensitisation programme brought together researchers, extension officers, and hundreds of farmers to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient rice varieties suitable for Ghana's ecosystem. Professor Mrs. Marian Quain, Deputy Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the strategic importance of rice to national food security and called for increased investment and scientific support to transform Ghana's rice sector.

Professor Quain highlighted that science must lead the country's agricultural transformation. With the right technologies and support systems, Ghana can significantly reduce rice importation, she said. She urged the government to prioritize inputs, training, and improved seed access for farmers. She also mentioned that CSIR had developed a range of technologies to boost productivity, improve post-harvest handling, and enhance resilience to climate change.

Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, discussed several high-yielding rice varieties developed for Ghana's agro-ecological zones, including AGRA rice, Ena rice, Agyapa rice, and CRI-Amankwatia. He noted that these varieties are early maturing, drought-tolerant, and suitable for both rain-fed and irrigated farming, urging farmers to adopt scientific recommendations and work closely with extension officers.

Mr. Young Jin Kim, Country Director of KOPIA Ghana, reaffirmed Korea's commitment to supporting Ghana's rice production agenda through technical cooperation, research, and training. He drew parallels between Korea's past challenges in rice production and Ghana's current situation, stating that science and strong government commitment helped Korea overcome them and suggesting that Ghana can do the same.

Mr. Kim added that KOPIA and CSIR would continue investing in demonstration farms, capacity building, and equipment to make rice farming more productive and profitable. Farmers at the event expressed appreciation for the initiative and appealed for timely access to inputs, machinery, and markets to complement research efforts.