A Green Field Day has been held in multiple farming communities within the northern sector, to showcase to farmers an agricultural innovation that promises to transform yam farming in the country.

The communities, including Lantikpa (North East Gonja District, Savannah Region) and Gushei (Savelugu Municipality, Northern Region), brought together researchers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to witness firsthand the impact of new seed yam technologies and improved farming practices.

It was organised by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), under the Programme for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively-propagated crops (VPCs) in Africa (PROSSIVA).

It sought to address some of the most pressing challenges facing yam farmers such as poor seed quality, low germination rates, and pest and disease outbreaks.

The event focused on introducing to the participants new seed yam production techniques and improved yam varieties, which were already showing tremendous promise in boosting yields and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

There was the introduction of an innovative yam seed technology using leaf bud cuttings to produce high-quality seed yams.

This technique offered a solution to the traditional method of planting large tubers, which were often susceptible to diseases and pests leading to low productivity.

Dr Kwabena Darkwa, a Research Scientist at CSIR-SARI, said technology now played an important role in increasing agricultural production.

He said 'By using leaf bud cuttings, farmers can now grow healthier yam plants that germinate faster and resist diseases better. The improved seed technology addresses the issue of seed quality, which has been a longstanding challenge for yam farmers in Ghana'.

Farmers were also introduced to two new high-yielding yam varieties; 'Mankrong Pona and Kpamyo,' which are tolerant to the major diseases that affect yam crops.

These varieties respond well to the leaf bud cutting method and are expected to revolutionise yam farming in the country.

One of the standout moments of Green Field Day was the interaction between researchers and farmers as the latter saw the practical benefits of the new techniques.

Many of them were impressed by the healthy growth, canopy cover and the size of the tubers of the improved yam varieties, especially when compared to traditional methods.

Mr Kasim Tahiru, a yam farmer from the nearby community of Kanankule, shared his experience, saying 'I have always used the traditional method of planting large yam tubers, but I have had many problems with disease and poor germination'.

He said he was present during the planting of the field using the new seed yam technology and looking at the size of the seed yam of the improved varieties, he was not expecting the tubers to be bigger than the traditional variety, which had bigger seed yam being planted.

'Also, the improved varieties were stronger and healthier, and I can see that this will make a big difference for my farm,' he said.

Farmers also had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas with experts, and participate in hands-on demonstrations led by Mr Ibrahim Sayibu, the Technical Officer at CSIR-SARI, making the event very interactive.

The innovations displayed at the Green Field Day are expected to have a far-reaching impact on both the agricultural economy and farmers' livelihoods.

Dr Emmanuel Amponsah Adjei, a Research Scientist at CSIR-SARI, addressing farmers at the Gushie site, said the new seed technology was not just about growing more yams, but about giving farmers the tools they needed to thrive economically.

He said farmers who adopt these methods could turn their farms into businesses, selling high-quality seeds and improving their incomes.

Dr Djana Migouna, a Scientist from IITA, acknowledged that events like these were essential because they allowed farmers to see the technologies in action and understand the real impact on their farms.

He said it was expected that with the knowledge gained, the farmers could take their farming to the next level.

Source: Ghana News Agency