Scientists confident of GMO rice under trial in Ghana
- 20 Feb 2019 --
There are high expectations Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) rice currently under trials in Ghana will better the lives of ordinary rice farmers once released onto the market.
Known as the Nitrogen-use Efficient, Water-use Efficient and Salt Tolerant (NEWEST) rice, it has been engineered to use less nitrogen, be drought tolerant, be capable of growing in a salty environment and still give a good yield.
“This new variety will help us boost productivity and ensure farmers get a better yield from each hectare of farmland,” Dr. Maxwell Darko Asante, Plant Breeder and Principal Investigator in charge of the NEWEST rice project told Joy News in an interview.
Rice is a major staple food in Ghana and is the second most consumed cereal after maize. But estimates from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture indicate productivity on Ghanaian rice farms currently is only about 46 per cent of potential yield because of environmental and other challenges.
Additionally, poor rainfall patterns as a result of climate change limit productivity on fields because more than 90% of farm fields in Ghana are not irrigated. In coastal Ghana, high levels of salt in soils also makes growing rice there difficult.
“The challenges with rice production are several. Sometimes you apply a lot of fertilizer to the field and nothing changes. It’s always a big challenge. And the weather is not helping either,” rice farmer at Asutsuare in Southern Ghana John Awuku Dziwornu complained in an interview.
These challenges are what the NEWEST rice hopes to fix. Scientists at the Crop Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana are leading ongoing trials to introduce the new variety in the country.
“For this project, we have two different products that are coming out. First is nitrogen use efficiency alone. Then the second covers all three. We have not done field trials on the combined traits yet.
But for the nitrogen use efficiency, we have evaluated and screened it in the field and selected the best fertile ones that have the trait and performing well in the field,” Francis Onyekachi Nwankwo who is programmes officer at the AATF explained in an interview.
“This new variety will boost local rice production. We are looking at a space of about four years from now because we have to do environmental safety assessment and food safety assessment. Within four years, it should be able to get to the hands of the farmers,” he added.
Onyekechi Nwankwo observes the challenge with nitrogen deficiency and its impact on rice production in Africa is worrying.
“With nitrogen use efficiency, you are talking about nutrients. For everything you plant, you need nutrients. With rice, nitrogen is needed in the soil to make it grow well. In a soil that is deficient of nitrogen, you can see that you will have a poor harvest. And looking at African environment, fertilizer which gives nitrogen is not very much valuable and not affordable to farmers,” he explained.
Thus far, the trials in Ghana have shown good results with one of the three desired traits. The Nitrogen Use-efficiency (NUE) trait was introduced into an African rice NERICA and tested alongside its conventional counterpart.
Confined field trials that compared the new GMO variety with traditional varieties showed yield increased by between 14 and 25 percent in favour of the new variety.
Dr. Maxwell Asante explains the next phase of the project will see the backcrossing of the desired traits from the GMO NERICA varieties into popular local rice varieties in Ghana.
“So far, it’s just the NERICA4 which was transformed. Once the gene is de-regulated, then we can backcross it into most of the popular jasmine types that we have locally. That is the plan.
“If everything goes on as planned, for most of our popular varieties, we will have NUE or NEWEST versions of it,” the Principal Investigator Dr. Asante explained.
“You know our soils are depleted. Farmers don’t get the productivity that they deserve. If this works, it means farmers can get good yield by applying lower yields of fertilizer. So they save money, and they make better yield,” he added.
When the three stack traits of the NEWEST rice are finally introduced into local varieties of rice, other benefits will be seen.
“Peasant farmers who don’t have the financial strength to irrigate their fields can use these varieties and the farms will still do well. Marginal lands that farmers couldn’t plant on could make use of these new varieties… In the coastal area where a lot of the lands are salty, these new varieties will do well there,” Dr. Asante added.
A recent economic study in Ghana has predicted the adoption of the new GMO variety could add up to $75.7m (GH₵334m) to the rice production economy over the next six years if released this year.
The study predicts that if regulatory processes delay the introduction of the new rice by five years, the rice sector will lose $45.3m (GH₵200m).
Charles Afriyie Debrah who is Biosafety Officer at the Crop Research Institute of the CSIR says ownership of the new GMO varieties will remain Ghanaian. He assures it may be possible for farmers to re-plant their seeds if they so wish.
“Our GMO rice that we conducted the experiment on, that crop, we have done about four trials. And it was based on the seed that was saved. So there are those seeds that you can re-plant like this new GMO variety,” he explained.
Farmer John Awuku Dziwornu is excited about the difference the new GMO rice variety will make in the country.
“A lot of work has been ongoing to produce improved rice varieties that can help increase productivity. We expect that the NEWEST variety to benefit farmers and Ghanaians in general,” Mr. Dziwornu said.
It could take about half a decade before the novel varieties are eventually available on the market for farmers to make use of but already, players in the rice industry are expectant.
1,240 comments
The Confidential
5:49 pmokmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
https://bit.ly/3w5PxbW
The Confidential
5:49 pmAn outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this matter here on your web site.
https://cutt.ly/fakazaio
The Confidential
5:49 pmPretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
https://homedesigninstitute.com/question/4822/should_i_be_an_interior_designer_or_architect/
The Confidential
5:49 pmThe next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I really thought you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you can fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
https://staff.blog.ui.ac.id/rendi.supiana/rukun-iman-ada-6-perkara/
The Confidential
5:49 pmMy brother suggested I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
http://www.findnow.in
The Confidential
5:49 pmIn these days of austerity as well as relative panic about incurring debt, many individuals balk up against the idea of making use of a credit card to make acquisition of merchandise or pay for a trip, preferring, instead only to rely on this tried and also trusted means of making transaction – hard cash. However, if you possess cash on hand to make the purchase 100 , then, paradoxically, that is the best time just to be able to use the cards for several causes.
https://99bitcoins.com/best-bitcoin-casino/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
https://99bitcoins.com/buy-bitcoin/paypal/
The Confidential
5:49 pmThanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
https://www.offshoresportsbooks.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI am often to blogging and i actually admire your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for new information.
https://xcaosystemgroup.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI’m pretty pleased to find this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you saved to fav to see new things in your site.
https://ads.kazakh-zerno.net/user/alarmquit33/
The Confidential
5:49 pmHi there, just became aware of your weblog via Google, and located that it is really informative. I?m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful when you proceed this in future. Many other folks might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
https://www.picktechsolution.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmHaving read this I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.
https://bookmarkspecial.com/story13982950/mp3-juices-full-guide
The Confidential
5:49 pmIts like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
https://solitairegames.website/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI?ll immediately grab your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
https://www.ikariajuice-ikariajuice.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks a lot!
https://thebookmarkid.com/story13980230/fakaza-full-guide
The Confidential
5:49 pmI have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I?ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
https://bitcoinwisdom.com/anon-system-review/
The Confidential
5:49 pmYou are so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve read anything like that before. So wonderful to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality.
https://music35677.blogripley.com/20656607/the-clever-technique-of-fakaza-that-no-person-is-actually-discussing
The Confidential
5:49 pmAw, this was a very good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never manage to get anything done.
https://music52145.bloginwi.com/50283440/5-straightforward-claims-approximately-tubidy-download-and-install-explained
The Confidential
5:49 pmRight here is the right web site for everyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just great.
https://caidenqycef.blog-eye.com/17233062/little-recognized-simple-facts-approximately-fakaza-download-and-install
The Confidential
5:49 pmSimply desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is simply nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
https://participer.ge.ch/profiles/4flix/activity
The Confidential
5:49 pmIt?s really a great and helpful piece of info. I?m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
https://easytvuk.co.uk/problems-watching-freeview/
The Confidential
5:49 pmHaving read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.
https://bookmarkity.com/story14010814/lima-rindu-band-kehilanganmu-berat-untukku-urban-news
The Confidential
5:49 pmHiya very nice website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?KI am glad to search out numerous helpful information right here within the put up, we want develop extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
https://www.zoritolerimol.com
The Confidential
5:49 pmI like reading through a post that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
https://wise-social.com/story14145259/not-known-details-about-tubidy
The Confidential
5:49 pmHi there, You’ve done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
https://thechronicbeaver.com/best-online-dispensary-canada-top-6-list/
The Confidential
5:49 pmNext time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely believed you would probably have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you can fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
https://yourbookmarklist.com/story14068181/panduan-terdahsyat-buat-pokok-bacaan
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis site really has all the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
https://escatter11.fullerton.edu/nfs/show_user.php?userid=3285865
The Confidential
5:49 pmI think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
http://s365033.com/2023/02/02/what-you-should-really-know-when-shopping-for-a-high-danger-merchant-services-firm/
The Confidential
5:49 pmIt’s nearly impossible to find experienced people in this particular topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
https://knoxny268.bloggosite.com/21797121/not-understood-truths-approximately-mp3-juice-paw-download
The Confidential
5:49 pmThanks for your posting. My partner and i have often seen that a lot of people are desperate to lose weight because they wish to show up slim and also attractive. However, they do not usually realize that there are other benefits for you to losing weight as well. Doctors insist that overweight people are afflicted with a variety of illnesses that can be instantly attributed to their particular excess weight. The good thing is that people that are overweight in addition to suffering from diverse diseases are able to reduce the severity of their particular illnesses by way of losing weight. You are able to see a gradual but noted improvement in health while even a slight amount of fat reduction is achieved.
https://cards2cash.co.uk/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI found your weblog site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I simply additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for ahead to reading extra from you in a while!?
https://www.anapnoes.gr/thilikotita/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI was able to find good info from your blog posts.
https://45listing.com/story15003851/the-fakaza-diaries
The Confidential
5:49 pmAfter looking at a few of the articles on your blog, I truly appreciate your technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me your opinion.
https://demo.icore.com.my/discuz/home.php?mod=space&uid=641652
The Confidential
5:49 pmI believe that avoiding processed foods could be the first step to lose weight. They can taste fine, but prepared foods have very little nutritional value, making you take more simply to have enough strength to get through the day. If you are constantly feeding on these foods, switching to cereals and other complex carbohydrates will let you have more electricity while taking in less. Thanks alot : ) for your blog post.
https://fangwallet.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmGenerally I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.
https://fangwallet.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmOnce I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any approach you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
https://easytvuk.co.uk/french-satellite-tv-in-the-uk-tntsat-and-fransat/
The Confidential
5:49 pmOne thing I’d really like to say is that before buying more pc memory, have a look at the machine into which it will be installed. In case the machine is usually running Windows XP, for instance, the actual memory limit is 3.25GB. Adding above this would simply constitute some sort of waste. Make certain that one’s motherboard can handle the particular upgrade amount, as well. Great blog post.
https://www.prodentim-prodentim-prodentim.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI relish, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
https://fixedmatches-1×2.com/
The Confidential
5:49 pmhello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
https://isma.ppsma.dindik.jatimprov.go.id/isma/data/
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Kudos.
https://staff.blog.ui.ac.id/rendi.supiana/rekomendasi-10-lagu-pop-terpopuler-indonesia-terbaru-2022/
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Cheers.
https://top100bookmark.com/story14101203/recommendations-to-download-music-and-movies-from-mp3juice
The Confidential
5:49 pmHaving read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.
https://downloadlagu321.icu
The Confidential
5:49 pmI think this is one of the so much significant information for me. And i’m glad studying your article. But should commentary on few basic issues, The web site taste is great, the articles is in reality great : D. Excellent process, cheers
https://protrends.net/2023/02/10/the-power-of-choosing-tips-to-follow-when-getting-merchant-services-for-credit-card-processing/
The Confidential
5:49 pmHi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
https://sound-social.com/story3480994/experience-the-most-current-trending-videos-get-ready-to-have-impressed
The Confidential
5:49 pmI blog often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
https://chancekuhsz.dgbloggers.com/20941890/a-fairly-natural-look-into-ayra-starr-dash
The Confidential
5:49 pmThere’s definately a lot to learn about this issue. I like all the points you’ve made.
https://7bookmarks.com/story14040127/mp3-juice-an-in-range-examination
The Confidential
5:49 pmToday, with all the fast way of life that everyone is having, credit cards have a big demand throughout the market. Persons coming from every field are using credit card and people who are not using the credit cards have lined up to apply for even one. Thanks for discussing your ideas in credit cards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l1a7QskEhc
The Confidential
5:49 pmOh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!
https://emiliohyjua.fitnell.com/57089101/5-suggestions-about-tubidy-you-may-use-currently
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis page truly has all the information and facts I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://tubidy.org.za
The Confidential
5:49 pmSpot on with this write-up, I really think this website needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info.
https://chip.edu.pk/members/avanda-car
The Confidential
5:49 pmI couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
http://guyzoducamer.afrikblog.com/tag/MortalitC3A9
The Confidential
5:49 pmHaving read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
https://artdaily.cc/news/154770/Tubidy-Review–Download-Music-and-Watch-Video-Streaming-High-Quality
The Confidential
5:49 pmWhen I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Kudos.
https://www.parapuan.co/read/533706376/empat-lagu-tiktok-viral-yang-lagi-hits-bisa-bikin-konten-kamu-masuk-fyp?page=all
The Confidential
5:49 pmI would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own site now 😉
https://dramatica.com/?URL=https://tubidy.org.za
The Confidential
5:49 pmHello, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring? I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/fitness.deadline
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
https://makassar.tribunnews.com/2023/02/23/simak-begini-cara-mudah-download-musik-offline-dengan-tubidy
The Confidential
5:49 pmNice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read content from other writers and practice a little something from other websites.
https://www.pinterest.com/lampcafe08/
The Confidential
5:49 pmYou’re so cool! I don’t think I’ve read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover somebody with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
http://erevistas.uca.edu.ar/index.php/index/user/viewPublicProfile/142665
The Confidential
5:49 pmThis blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks!
https://staff.blog.ui.ac.id/rendi.supiana/uncovering-the-most-popular-music-in-the-world/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI?m now not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend a while finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
https://listproperty.ng/listing-location/abuja-fct/abuja/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI used to be able to find good information from your articles.
https://devpost.com/mosewatts740
The Confidential
5:49 pmNext time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t fail me just as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I genuinely believed you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
https://staff.blog.ui.ac.id/rendi.supiana/tubidy-discover-the-benefits-of-music-streaming/
The Confidential
5:49 pmHi my family member! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I?d like to see more posts like this .
http://198lu.com/exploring-the-world-of-merchant-services-typically-the-boon-for-start-episodes/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI used to be very pleased to find this internet-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this excellent read!! I positively having fun with each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.
https://alphadrugz.com/2023/02/26/merchant-account-services-credit-card-processing-solutions-for-your-business/
The Confidential
5:49 pmAn impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this topic here on your web page.
https://elaraki.ac.ma/ent/app/upload/users/4/4011/my_files/27-best-music-videos-on-tubidy-in-stunning-hd.html
The Confidential
5:49 pmA fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you should publish more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t discuss such subjects. To the next! Best wishes!
https://escatter11.fullerton.edu/nfs/show_user.php?userid=3511052
The Confidential
5:49 pmGreetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that make the most significant changes. Thanks for sharing!
https://man2klaten.sch.id/index.php?pilih=forum&modul=yes&action=viewthread&forum_id=0&thread_id=2886
The Confidential
5:49 pmI could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
http://www.gangstagayvideos.com/cgi-bin/at3/out.cgi?id=105&tag=toplist&trade=https://tubidy.org.za/
The Confidential
5:49 pmI love it when folks get together and share views. Great blog, stick with it!
https://bak.umtas.ac.id/kelebihan-mengunduh-file-dari-tubidy/
The Confidential
5:49 pmPretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for supplying this information.
https://able2know.org/user/tubidyorgza/
The Confidential