When Bakuvie Zinna, a Ghanaian cowpea farmer, was invited by a local extension agent to take part in demonstrations for a new variety resistant to the pod borer, he couldn’t hide his excitement.
The Development of Pod Borer-Resistant Cowpea
Cowpea farming in Ghana has long been plagued by the relentless pod borer, a pest responsible for wreaking havoc on crops every season, forcing farmers like Zinna to invest heavily in pesticides, often with disappointing yields. However, there is newfound hope in the form of the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea.
Developed by researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in Tamale, Ghana, the PBR cowpea is a genetically modified variety that has recently been granted environmental release approval by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). This marks a significant milestone, as it becomes the first transgenic food crop to be released in Ghana.
National Performance Trials and the Importance of Cowpea
To ensure the successful commercialization of this new cowpea variety, researchers have embarked on national performance trials in various regions. Kpasenkpe, near Walewale in the North-East region, and Chinchang and Silbelle, near Tumu in the Upper West Region, have been chosen for these trials. Cowpea is considered an essential food and nutritional security crop in Ghana, making these trials of utmost importance.
Accompanying the PBR cowpea team from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and SARI during the site visit were officials from the NBA, the Municipal Agricultural Development Unit, and the Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS). Their presence served to monitor the progress of the research and gather farmers’ opinions on the new cowpea variety.
Benefits of PBR Cowpea for Farmers
Dr. Jerry Nboyine, the project lead scientist at SARI, explained that the PBR cowpea was developed to combat the devastating effects of the legume pod borer in cowpea cultivation. For the farmers, this could mean an end to the era of over eight sprays on cowpea fields during a crop season. Instead, they will only need to apply two sprays, reducing costs and increasing yields significantly.
Dr. Jean Baptiste’s Perspective
Dr. Jean Baptiste, the Project Manager from AATF, expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the trial and the management approach adopted by scientists from SARI. He also assured farmers that they would soon have access to the variety that is already performing well in Nigeria. “With the PBR cowpea, farmers can be confident of a bumper harvest as the major impediment to cowpea farming has been taken care of,” said Dr. Baptiste.
Tommie’s Experience with PBR Cowpea
Tommie, a cowpea farmer from Chinchang, shared his concerns about the high expenses of pest control and the health risks associated with chemical use. He joined the open trial when he learned that the new cowpea variety requires only two sprays. The results have been impressive, with well-filled pods and increased yields in the Bt cowpea fields compared to non-Bt ones.
Sulemana Alhassan’s Perspective
Sulemana Alhassan, Municipal Director of Agriculture for the West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly, highlighted the benefits of the cowpea trial, including training for farmers on PBR cowpea cultivation and the significant reduction of pesticide use in cowpea farming.
NBA’s Role in the Approval Process
During the visit, the NBA officially handed over the permit for environmental release to CSIR-SARI’s Director, Dr. Francis Kusi. This permit is valid for three years and is subject to renewal, ensuring that the PBR cowpea continues to meet safety and environmental standards.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers with AATF
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. They work with public and private partners to access, develop, deliver, and commercialize innovative technologies that enhance food and nutrition security, generating health and wealth for families and communities. AATF envisions a prosperous and food-secure Africa where millions of smallholder farmers can transform African agriculture using innovative technologies.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, the united efforts of farmers and scientists in Ghana to fast-track the approval of the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea have brought about a ray of hope for the agricultural community. The story of Bakuvie Zinna, a dedicated Ghanaian cowpea farmer, is a testament to the struggles faced by many in the region. The relentless pod borer has, for years, posed a substantial threat to cowpea crops, leading to significant expenses on pesticides and, unfortunately, low yields. However, this is about to change.
The PBR cowpea, a genetically modified variety developed by researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in Tamale, Ghana, has received environmental release approval from the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). This marks a significant milestone, making it the first transgenic food crop to be released in Ghana.
The national performance trials currently underway in various regions hold great significance, as cowpea is a vital food and nutritional security crop in Ghana. The PBR cowpea offers a promising solution, significantly reducing the need for excessive pesticide applications. Dr. Jerry Nboyine, the project lead scientist at SARI, emphasizes that farmers can bid farewell to the era of eight or more sprays per season and welcome a more sustainable approach with just two sprays.
Dr. Jean Baptiste, the Project Manager from AATF, shares his optimism about the future. The PBR cowpea has already proven successful in Nigeria and promises farmers a bumper harvest, free from the major impediment of cowpea farming – the pod borer.
Tommie, a cowpea farmer from Chinchang, echoes the sentiment, sharing his experience of witnessing the new variety’s impressive results. Not only have the pods been pest-free, but they are also more abundant, making it a win-win for both farmers and consumers.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture for the West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly, Sulemana Alhassan, highlights the importance of the cowpea trial, offering training and reducing pesticide abuse, further contributing to a sustainable and profitable farming ecosystem.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and environmental standards of the PBR cowpea. Their official permit for environmental release, which is valid for three years and subject to renewal, ensures that safety remains a top priority.
Moreover, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) stands as a beacon of hope, empowering smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa with innovative technologies that foster food and nutrition security, promoting the well-being of families and communities. Their vision of a prosperous and food-secure Africa aligns perfectly with the aspirations of smallholder farmers who aim to transform African agriculture with groundbreaking innovations.
In essence, the fast-tracking of PBR cowpea approval in Ghana brings renewed hope to farmers like Bakuvie Zinna and countless others. With the release of this genetically modified variety, farmers can expect reduced costs, increased yields, and a more sustainable approach to cowpea farming. The collaborative efforts of scientists and farmers showcase the power of uniting for a common goal – to secure the future of agriculture and food security in Ghana.
FAQs
1. Is the PBR cowpea safe for human consumption?
- Yes, extensive testing and regulatory processes have been undertaken to ensure the safety of the PBR cowpea for human consumption. It has been granted environmental release approval by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), affirming its safety and suitability as a food crop.
2. What is the potential impact of the PBR cowpea on the environment?
- The PBR cowpea has been developed with the environment in mind, aiming to reduce the need for excessive pesticide use. By requiring fewer pesticide sprays, it contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to cowpea farming.
3. How can farmers access the PBR cowpea variety?
- Once the PBR cowpea is commercially released, farmers will have access to the variety through various distribution channels, including agricultural extension services, seed suppliers, and government initiatives that promote its adoption.
4. What is the expected timeline for the commercial release of the PBR cowpea?
- While the specific timeline for commercial release may vary, it is expected to follow the successful completion of the national performance trials. This ensures that the PBR cowpea meets the necessary criteria for widespread adoption.
5. Are there any concerns from environmental groups regarding the PBR cowpea?
- The development and release of genetically modified crops, including the PBR cowpea, have been subject to rigorous scrutiny and regulatory processes. The involvement of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the careful monitoring of environmental impacts aim to address and mitigate potential concerns, ensuring the safety of the crop and its compatibility with the environment.
