AWAAREDONI: Farmers in the Awaaredoni community of the Upper East Region's Talensi District have expressed their appreciation for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) following the successful trials of SARI Nut2 (groundnut) and Wandata (maize) varieties. The initial trials have demonstrated remarkable yields, significantly outperforming traditional varieties. According to Ghana News Agency, a farmer demonstration and harvest event highlighted a comparative study between the newly introduced SARI Nut2 and the widely used local Chinese variety. The results showed that SARI Nut2 not only delivered higher yields but also produced larger pods, which farmers believe could substantially boost local agricultural productivity. The trials were conducted on the same plot of land in collaboration with the Talensi Directorate of Agriculture (DOA), utilizing identical treatments of aflasafe, control, and a combination of aflasafe and fertilizer for both va rieties. Madam Celestina Adoku, a local farmer, reported that SARI Nut2 produced a significantly higher yield with larger pods compared to the Chinese variety, which has been popular among local farmers for years. She expressed her intention to adopt the SARI Nut2 variety in future plantings due to its superior performance. Another farmer, Mr. Mark Azure, noted the impressive pod count of the SARI Nut2, with plants averaging 15 to 20 pods, in contrast to the Chinese variety, which typically yields fewer than 10 pods per plant. He praised CSIR-SARI for providing a promising alternative for farmers. Dr. Muntari Abubakar, a research scientist at CSIR-SARI, explained that the demonstration aimed to utilize technology to reduce aflatoxin contamination, a persistent issue with groundnut and sometimes maize, while also enhancing crop yields. The trials included the application of aflasafe and fertilizers to assess their effectiveness in preventing aflatoxin production and improving yields. As part of the next st eps, Dr. Abubakar stated that the institute would conduct laboratory tests on the harvested produce to check for aflatoxin presence and provide recommendations for the adoption of these improved varieties. Dr. Issah Sugri, a senior research scientist and post-harvest specialist at CSIR-SARI, emphasized the institute's ongoing commitment to research and innovation to benefit local farmers and drive economic growth. He encouraged farmers to adopt these improved varieties for better agricultural outcomes. Mr. Mathew Sulemana, the Talensi District Director of Agriculture, acknowledged the timeliness of CSIR-SARI's intervention, citing numerous farmer complaints about low yields and high infestation rates with local varieties. He commended the research institute and urged farmers to embrace the new varieties to enhance yields and reduce infestations.