Some smallholder farmers in the Tanina community and its environs in the Wa West District have been introduced to stress-tolerant and nutritionally enhanced maize hybrids, to help enhance agricultural production and nutritional status.

The Savanna Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SARI) introduced the farmers to those maize hybrids during a farmers’ field day at Tanina.

The CSIR-SARI organised the research demonstration field visit with funding from the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) to learn about the benefits of those maize hybrids – CSIR-Dimaali-Engee, CSIR-Adubi-Boyo, and CSIR– Denbea.

It also provided an opportunity for the farmers to engage with agricultural experts and explore practical applications of the knowledge of their farming practices.

Addressing the farmers, Dr Mahama G. Yakubu, an agronomist with CSIR-SARI, Wa Station, explained that the CSIR-SARI was committed to developing stress-tolerant maize hybrids that could withstand harsh conditions in the face of adverse climatic conditions.

“These plants are bred for resilience. These hybrids are not just resilient, they are also nutritionally enhanced, providing vital nutrients for healthier diets.
“Our mission is to empower farmers while ensuring food security and improved nutrition for all.

With stress-tolerant and nutritionally enhanced maize hybrids, we are cultivating hope and resilience for the future,” he stated.

Dr Yakubu, also a Senior Research Scientist with the CSIR-SARI, said the aim of the field visit was to also educate the farmers on the importance and benefits of the stress-tolerant maize hybrids and to demonstrate their nutritional advantages.

He said maize was a primary source of calories for millions of people, but it often lacked essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B and minerals, hence the nutritionally enhanced maize aimed to improve the nutritional profile of maize to make it a more complete food source.

Mr Asieku Yahaya, a Research Scientist with CSIR-SARI, Wa station, urged farmers to adhere to good agronomic practices to ensure a sustainable increase in their crop yield.

He said agriculture was a business, considering the value chain from production to processing, haulage, marketing and research and its contribution to economic growth and development could not be overemphasised.

Dr Yahaya Iddrisu, an Agriculture Economist with CSIR-SARI, Wa station, said increased yields and reduced losses from stress factors could lead to greater financial stability for farming households.

He said with the improved hybrids, farmers could gain more income from selling higher-quality, nutritionally enhanced maize.

Mr Inusah Adams, a farmer at Tanina said, “Every year I always get worried about the weather. Droughts can destroy my harvest. This season has been tough. Drought really affected my yield”.

Miss Habita Saaka, also a farmer, acknowledged that the new hybrids showed a significant increase in yield and resilience against drought as compared to traditional varieties on the field.

The farmers expressed enthusiasm about the potential of stress-tolerant and nutritionally enhanced hybrids to enhance their fortunes in agriculture.

The farmers also made requests for follow-up training sessions and access to the improved seed varieties.

The success of the farmers’ field day also fostered valuable discussions and encouraged knowledge sharing and future collaborations for improved agricultural practices.