The Project Manager for the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Enoch Ilori, has assured the public that the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea seed developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is safe and performs like conventional cowpea varieties.
Speaking at an OFAB-organised workshop in Accra, which brought together nutritionists from the Ghana Health Service, CSIR experts, academics, and members of the media, Mr. Ilori explained that cowpea farmers face severe pest infestations each season, often requiring repeated pesticide applications.
- NUTRITIONIST CSIR SAVANNAH REGION; FLORA AMAGLO
To address this, CSIR developed the PBR cowpea through genetic modification to resist pod-boring pests. The seed has received government approval and is available for farmers at prices comparable to conventional varieties. Mr. Ilori encouraged farmers to adopt the PBR cowpea to ensure steady supply for consumers.
Nutritionist Flora Amaglo of CSIR, Savannah Region, noted that PBR cowpea production requires fewer pesticide applications compared to conventional varieties, which are typically sprayed seven to eight times. She confirmed that all necessary safety and nutritional tests had been conducted, showing that the PBR cowpea is as safe and nutritious as traditional varieties.
Adding to this, Gloria Adazebra, a research scientist with CSIR Savannah Region, explained that the PBR cowpea was developed to combat the maruca vitrata pest, which damages cowpea flowers and pods. She said farmers who adopt PBR cowpea can expect higher yields and lower production costs due to reduced spraying requirements.
Source: Tracy Akosua Agyapomaa
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