CSIR-SARI trains agricultural extension agents in Ghana on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology

GHANA—The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has trained Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) from the northern sector in a two-day workshop to enhance their skills in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology.

CSIR-SARI is a leading research institute under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana, whose mission is to drive sustainable agricultural development in the Savanna ecological zone.

The training focused on equipping the AEAs with the knowledge needed to conduct step-down training for farmers in their districts.

The goal was to increase rice yields while using fewer resources and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

The AEAs, representing Assemblies such as Tamale, Yendi, Tolon, Kumbungu, Savelugu, Karaga, Bongo, Builsa North, and North East Gonja, participated in the workshop organized as part of the Scaling up of Climate Resilient Rice Production in West Africa (RICOWAS Project).

This initiative, funded by the Adaptation Fund and supported by Observatoire Du Sahara Et Du Sahel Sahara and Sahel Observatory, aims to strengthen human and institutional capacity for Climate-Resilient Rice Production (CRRP).

Dr. Issah Sugri, Deputy Director of CSIR-SARI and Coordinator of the RICOWAS Project, emphasized that the training was designed to assist farmers and other stakeholders in scaling up SRI and CRRP practices to enhance rice production and ensure food security.

The RICOWAS Project operates across 13 West African countries with the objective of improving climate resilience and increasing rice productivity, particularly among smallholder farmers.

In Ghana, the project spans several regions, including Northern, North East, Upper East, Savannah, Volta, Oti, Western North, and Ashanti.

Dr. Sugri highlighted the critical role of AEAs in disseminating information to farmers and facilitating the adoption of best agronomic practices to maximize productivity.

He pointed out that climate change threatens food security, and incorporating technologies for early-maturing rice varieties is essential for maximizing production while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Dr. Sugri urged the AEAs to train at least 100 farmers in their districts on the SRI methodology to promote sustainable rice production.

Mr. Alex Yeboah, Acting Head of the Rice Improvement Programme at CSIR-SARI, who facilitated the training, emphasized that SRI technology conserves water by 30-50%, enhances resistance to storms and droughts, and improves yields by 20-50% while increasing rice tolerance to pests and diseases.

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