The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has organized a field day and demonstration visit for farmers in Kpalgun, located in the Tolon District of the Northern Region, to introduce them to various integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies.

The ISFM technologies introduced included mineral fertilizer combinations, the use of climate-smart rice varieties such as AGRA and Banse, and good agronomic practices.

The demonstration field at Kpalgun showcased the AGRA rice variety being evaluated with various mineral fertilizer combinations, compared to no input (only improved rice seeds) and traditional farming practices.

The ISFM initiative on mineral fertilizer combinations also extends to other arable crops, including soybeans, groundnuts, cowpeas, and maize.

The field day, aimed at improving rice yields, is part of a broader project titled “Advancing Agriculture through Upscaling of Innovative Soil Health Technologies in Ghana,” funded by the AGRA PIATA Consortium.

This project seeks to reach numerous smallholder farmers across 17 districts in the North East, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.

It is being implemented by a consortium of three partners: CSIR-SARI, the CSIR-Soil Research Institute in Kumasi, and AMYA Agro Plus in Wenchi in the Bono Region, in collaboration with District Departments of Agriculture in the target areas.

The project aims to create at least 200 jobs and reach about 50,000 smallholder farmers, each cultivating an average of 12 acres of farmland for targeted arable crops such as cowpea, maize, rice, soybean, and groundnut.

It is also expected to train 200 extension agents, including Village-Based Agriculture Advisors, 50 scientists, and 100 technicians on ISFM and good agricultural practices.

Dr. Edwin Akley, Project Manager and Coordinator for CSIR-SARI, expressed concern during the event about the steady decline in crop yields and soil health over the years.

He explained that these challenges have made it difficult for farmers to produce enough food to feed their families and the country.

Dr. Akley stated, “The project is being implemented to enhance crop production and improve food and nutrition security.”

He further explained that the initiative aims to empower young people in the agricultural sector, encouraging them to see farming as a profitable business to address poverty and unemployment in rural communities.

He emphasized that the purpose of the field day was not only to showcase innovative agricultural technologies but also to stress the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to address challenges such as declining crop yields, soil health, and environmental issues.

Mr. Abdul Ganiyu Amidu, Agric Extension Officer for the Kpalgun operational area, noted that easy access to improved and climate-resilient rice varieties would help farmers boost their production capacity, especially in light of the persistent dry spells in the area.

He highlighted the need to support farmers with quality farm inputs, capacity building, and training to enable them to fully leverage the innovative technologies being introduced. These technologies, he said, have the potential to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Mr. Sulemana Adam, a farmer in Kpalgun who piloted the AGRA variety, encouraged other farmers to adopt the new technologies to maximize their yields and increase production.

Madam Iddrisu Memunatu, another farmer in the community, praised the technologies as laudable initiatives, particularly for women. She noted that they would improve economic resilience and help reduce issues such as domestic violence, which is often linked to poverty.

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