CSIR-SARI readies Ghana’s first improved sesame varieties for 2027

Sesame farmers in northern Ghana could have access to the country’s first officially approved improved seed as early as next year, after the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) announced three promising candidate varieties.

According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the lines were picked from about 400 accessions and have shown an average yield potential of roughly 1.2 tonnes per hectare, about double the 0.6 tonnes per hectare many farmers obtain from traditional seed.

Dr Emmanuel Yaw Owusu, a sesame breeder at the institute, disclosed the results at a stakeholders’ workshop at Nyankpala, near Tamale, where CSIR-SARI is headquartered. He said the three genotypes would be submitted in 2027 to the National Varietal Release and Registration Committee, which decides whether new crop varieties can be officially released.

Ghana currently has no released improved sesame variety. GNA reports that most smallholders plant grain bought in local markets, while some commercial growers source seed from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso.

Dr Owusu said production is growing in areas including Chereponi, Tumu, Garu, Tempane and Navrongo, but more than 90 per cent of Ghana’s sesame leaves the country unprocessed. He called for investment in local processing so farmers can earn more, and for better data collection by the Department of Agriculture.

Dr Zakaria Issahaku of Mayiya Investments told participants that better seed must go together with consistent quality and reliable links to buyers and processors. Lovia Moor of the Widows and Orphans Movement said improved varieties could open more opportunities for women, who are heavily involved in the crop.

CSIR-SARI Director Dr Francis Kusi said he was confident the varieties would be approved for farmers next year.

The workshop was held under the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils sesame project, which CSIR-SARI runs with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The project aims to breed sesame suited to local conditions and to the needs of exporters, food processors and oil producers.

Source: Ghana News Agency — gna.org.gh