Farmers introduced to maize variety

Bonsu-Bibiani (B/A), Sept 1, GNA - Techno-Serve Ghana has introduced new high-yielding quality protein maize called "mamaba" to farmers at Bonsu-Bibiani and Tromesu in the Nkoranza and Wenchi districts.

The maize, developed in 1996 by the Crop Research Institute with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Techno-Serve, is capable of yielding 5-7 metric tonnes per hectare as against 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare obtained from other known local varieties such as dorke, okomasa, and obatampah.

Mr Wusah Mangah, Public Relations Officer of Techno-Serve, urged the farmers to adopt improved maize variety and accompanying technology for higher productivity.

He said the new maize variety would also bring higher returns on their investments and enhance the food security of their families. Mr Tom Boney, Senior Project Manager of Techno-Serve, said about 19 demonstration farms of "mamaba" are located in the Central, Northern, Brong-Ahafo, Upper West and Upper East regions.

Addressing the farmers at Bonsu-Bibiani Mr Kwame Amporfo-Twumasi, Nkoranza District Chief Executive, thanked the collaborating institutions for locating the demonstration farms in the district.

He promised that the district would collaborate with Techno-serve to replicate the demonstration farm in other areas in the district.