Accra, March 31, GNA - Ghana and Brazil on Wednesday signed an agreement to help boost cassava cultivation, improve farmers' productivity and ensure food security.

The agreement on laboratory procedures in biotechnology and genetic resource management would enable the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to conduct studies to help to reduce diseases that affect cassava and introduce new varieties. Speaking at the signing, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, said the development would offer more opportunities to farmers and impact on new scientific techniques for cassava cultivation.

The Minister said such collaboration would bring in new technology and help transform capacity building. He reiterated government's commitment to achieving food security as cassava was a major staple in the diet of Ghanaians. "Therefore, if we succeed in utilizing the most advanced and proven technologies to transform its production, the impact on Ghana's agriculture will be truly immeasurable," he said.

Alhaji Mumuni commended CSIR for the pioneering research work aimed not only at producing improved crop varieties but also in the critical area of post-harvest losses and food preservation.

He said the cassava project aside being in line with the objectives of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, the sharing of research findings and related joint technical endeavours would also help to deepen South-South cooperation.

Mr Louis Fernando Serra, Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, said Brazil was willing to share her big experience in cassava cultivation with Ghana.