MOFA recommends new maize varieties

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has recommended two new hybrid maize seeds suitable for improved yields and productivity.

It said the Abontem and Omankwa, varieties of seeds have high disease resistance, and favourable for all weather patterns.

Mr Michael Addai, Agricultural Extension Officer at the Nkoranza South Municipal Directorate of MOFA, gave the recommendation when he addressed about 20 maize farmers at a trainer of trainers’ workshop at Fiapre, near Sunyani.

The workshop was organised by the Centre for Innovation and Technology Dissemination secretariat of the University of Energy and Natural Resources.

It formed part of a three-year project the university, in collaboration with the University of Molise in Italy, University of Guru in Uganda, and Bio-Economy an international non-governmental organisation in Ethiopia are implementing in Brong-Ahafo Region.

The project: “Strengthening innovations and technology dissemination for sustainable development in cereals and cocoa”, is being implemented in Nkoranza South, Asunafo North and Techiman Municipalities.

Mr Addai said it has been proven scientifically that the two varieties of seeds grow very well in deep and well drained loamy soils.

He entreated maize farmers against the use of weedicides in clearing their lands before planting and advised them to always ensure that they seek assistance from agricultural extension officers in the application of fertilizers.

Mr Addai said cultural practices such as crop rotation, field sanitation, and application animal droppings are the best farm practices that would help maize farmers to improve yields and productivity.

The Reverend Dr Phyllis Opare, Operational Unit Assistant of the project, said the scheme would supply farmers with seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs and asked them to consider engaging in large scale or commercial farming to enhance their livelihood.