CSIR-SARI introduces farmers to groundnut production technologies
Some farmers in the Wa Municipality have been introduced to groundnut production technologies to boost yield and increase the economic fortunes of smallholder farmers to translate into increased household income.
The modern groundnut production technologies could significantly enhance productivity and profitability and by adopting those practices, farmers could improve their yields, ensure food security, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
The initiative is under the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Peanut project aimed to increase groundnut production and productivity of smallholder farmers, improve their income, and enhance nutrition and health status.
The Savanna Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SARI) introduced the farmers to the improved technologies during a field day in Wa.
Speaking at the event in Wa, Dr. Mahama G. Yakubu, an agronomist at CSIR-SARI in Wa, observed that the average groundnut yield in the region was below 0.5 tonnes per hectare, which was far below the national average of about 1.3 tonnes per hectare.
He attributed the poor yield to the use of low yielding varieties, which were susceptible to groundnut diseases and non-adherence to best-best practices in groundnut production.
“Always select a suitable site and proper land preparation for groundnut production. Also, criteria such as adaptability, maturity period, yield potential, tolerance of stresses including, diseases, are very important factors in selecting varieties”, he admonished the farmers.
Dr. Yakubu, also a Senior Research Scientist with the CSIR-SARI, stressed the importance of proper timing of groundnut planting as that was key in maximising yields.
He also emphasised that delays in crop harvesting had negative consequences on the quality and market price of grains.
Dr. Yakubu advised farmers not to harvest and heap the harvested produce as well as avoid drying the produce on the bare floor as that affected the grain quality.
“Most soils in rain fed agriculture contain very little phosphorus, so to ensure good plant establishment and high yield, you (farmers) are encouraged to apply fertilizer that contains a high amount of phosphorus and some Sulphate and Calcium.
For pest control, integrating pest management strategies is important in protecting groundnut yield from pests”, he explained.
Mr Asieku Yahaya, a Research Scientist with the CSIR-SARI at the Wa station, stated that groundnuts could benefit from residual fertility thereby reducing the synthetic fertilizer requirement.
He said in some cases no additional fertilizer may be required if the crop was grown on a “well-managed land previously treated with a balanced fertilizer.”
Source: GNA