Crop Research Institute develops hybrid maize

Tijo, (N/R), Sept 22, GNA - The Crop Research Institute, has developed a new high yielding variety of maize christened "Mamaba", a hybrid, which is also rich in protein and has the capacity to produce between 15 to 25 bags of maize per hectare when properly managed.

Technoserve, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), with support from the United States Agency for International Development, sponsored the research into the production of the hybrid. Mr Wusa Manga, Public Relations Manager of the NGO, announced this at a "Farmers Field Day" at Tijo, a farming Community in the Yendi District on Tuesday.

He said the Tijo farming site, a demonstration of maize varieties; "Mamaba", "Okomasa" and "Obatampa", offered farmers choices to enable them to increase yield.

Mr Manga said: "Those who adopt the maize varieties and the accompanying modern farm practices will reap higher returns on their investments and enhance food security of their families". He said although the amount involved in land preparation and other farm management in the cultivation of improved variety of maize per hectare was high at the cost of 2.3 million cedis, compared to the traditional practice at the cost of 1.2 million cedis per hectare, it had resulted in high productivity.

Mr Manga cited that while revenue accrued after harvest per hectare in respective with traditional methods stood at 339,200 million cedis, that on the improved variety was about 1.4 billion cedis.

Mr Habib Tigani, Yendi District Chief Executive, said maize production played a significant role in the country's economy as it remained a stable food for the people and feed for animals.

He, therefore, commended Technoserve, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), and The Crop Research Institute for collaborating efforts to produce hybrid maize in the country.

Mr Mike Addai, deputy Northern Regional Director of MOFA, urged farmers to plant the new maize variety to increase yield and said the Ministry had initiated measures to ensure food security in all the districts in the region.