The soybean sector in Ghana is set for a significant enhancement in productivity following the introduction of new high-yield soybean varieties by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Savanna Agricultural Research Institute. This initiative was unveiled during a demonstration event in Salaga, located in the East Gonja Municipality, and marks a key effort in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical agricultural applications.
This demonstration is part of a broader strategy by the institute to promote improved technologies that can meet both domestic and international market demands, thus supporting the growth of Ghana”s oilseed economy. The event highlighted the Participatory Varietal Selection method, which empowers farmers to evaluate and choose soybean lines based on essential characteristics like yield potential, pod clearance, early maturity, pest resistance, and drought tolerance.
According to Dr. Ophelia Asirifi Amoako, an Agronomist and Senior Research Scientist at the institute, involving farmers in the selection process leads to innovations that align closely with their needs and business realities. She noted, “When farmers are part of the selection process, they understand the traits.”
The demonstration included both mother and baby trials. The mother trials, overseen by researchers, showcased improved agronomic practices such as row planting, efficient fertilizer application, and optimal plant spacing. In contrast, baby trials allowed farmers to cultivate the new soybean lines on their own fields, enabling them to compare the outcomes with traditional varieties.
Dr. Charles Nelimor, a Soybean Breeder at the institute, explained that the new varieties were evaluated for high pod clearance, facilitating mechanized harvesting, and early maturity traits that help farmers cope with erratic rainfall. He emphasized that these advancements would allow farmers to utilize combine harvesters, leading to lower labor costs and reduced post-harvest losses, which have been significant challenges in soybean farming.
The farmers involved in the trials reported noticeable improvements, including healthier plants, better pod development, and increased yields compared to local varieties. Furthermore, Dr. Francisca Addae-Frimpomaah, the head of the Soybean Breeding Team, advocated for a reexamination of export restrictions on soybeans. She argued that current policies have limited market opportunities and deterred private sector investments.
In August 2024, Ghana implemented an export ban on soybeans and other grains to prevent a food crisis due to drought conditions, with the ban expected to last until January 2025, subject to possible extensions. The Ghana Soybean Farmers and Aggregators Association has urged the government to lift these restrictions, citing detrimental effects on farmers” livelihoods as buyers turn to neighboring countries such as Nigeria, Togo, and Benin.
Dr. Addae-Frimpomaah stated that these export limitations have hindered farmers from selling their crops, as larger buyers who previously exported are no longer sourcing from them. She suggested that revising the policy could restore access to international markets, potentially increasing prices and encouraging farmers to enhance their production capabilities.
The institute has successfully released eight improved soybean varieties through collaborative research and funding from the Government of Ghana and international donors. Despite its potential, Ghana”s current soybean production is estimated to be significantly below regional demand.
For local farmers like Mr. Osman Suleman, who assisted in the field operations, the demonstration represented a pivotal moment. He highlighted the inefficiencies associated with manual harvesting, stating that high pod clearance varieties will enable the use of harvesters, thereby minimizing waste. He called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other stakeholders to provide necessary mechanization support, including planters and harvesters, to help farmers fully leverage these new technologies.
