Osae-Krodua, (C/R), Dec. 7, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), would, as from next year launch a programme to develop and promote three lesser-known yam species grown in the Awutu Traditional Area of the Central Region.

The species are, "Nkani", "Brass", and "Ntowntow", are mainly grown in Bawjiase and Bontrase areas.

Mr. Samuel Semekor, District MOFA Director for Awutu-Effutu-Senya, announced this at the District Farmers Day celebration held at Awutu-Osae-Krodua, Awutu-Bawjiase on Friday.

According to Mr Semekor, Research Officers in the two ministries would conduct intensive research into the three lesser-known yam species discovered in the area and offer them more scientific backing so that they could effectively develope and promote their growth in all farming districts throughout the country.

He said besides their excellent taste, Brass and Ntowntow are highly economical because they produce large and long sizes of yam.

In addition, the three species have high demand from consumers in Accra, Tema as well as Kasoa and other parts of the Central Region, and strongly advised farmers in the district to embrace them.

Mr. Semekor further counselled farmers in the area to group themselves into formidable associations in order to derive maximum benefits from the Central Regional Mechanisation Centre of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture which would be established at Kasoa next year to cater for farmers in the region.

It would also assist them to get access to funds voted for agriculture.

Mr Semekor said the theme for the event: "Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Food Security through Improved Agribusiness" was basically designed to highlight the objectives set for the Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI) on cassava and other selected food and economic crops.