More than 200 Ghanaian farmers have expressed their readiness to plant Bt cowpea, Ghana’s first genetically modified food crop as soon as possible.

The crop, which was developed by Ghanaian scientists, has been genetically modified (GM) to resist the destructive pod-borer insect pest. As a result, farmers will be able to significantly reduce the use of pesticides and subsequent increases in yield and income. The crop is also expected to support the nation’s economic development and food security while improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Farmers from the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region of Ghana very positive about the technology and say it is good for them. They asked the scientists at CSIR to ensure farmers get the pod borer resistant (PBR) cowpea (GM) Cowpea seeds as soon as possible.

[Dr. Daniel Osei Ofosu from the National Coordinator Program for Biosafety Systems] predicted that farmers will be receptive to GM cowpea because it reduces pesticide use and increases yields. “Once the farmer starts to use the technology, the consumer will not feel bad about using it,” he added. “So, to me, it’s a win–win.”

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