India is currently emphasizing the expansion of international trade and domestic manufacturing. In a significant move to enhance cooperation in agricultural research, education, and technology transfer, India and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Accra, Ghana.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this agreement is a key initiative towards strengthening South-South Cooperation and the India-Africa partnership. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa were present during the signing ceremony. The cooperation program is set to run for five years. Under this agreement, both nations will collaborate on establishing a joint agricultural research center, transferring science and technology, capacity building, and commercializing agri-tech solutions.
A Ghanaian company, Arima Farms Ltd., has played a pivotal role in facilitating this collaboration. The company has been designated as a business partner for CSIR-CRI to undertake specific research and commercialization activities.
**Starting with Tomato Research**
The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on the research and development of vegetable crops, particularly tomatoes. ICAR will assist in promoting high-yielding tomato varieties and advanced agricultural techniques in Ghana to boost domestic tomato production. **Emphasis on Strengthening Value Chains and Storage**
The agreement also covers work on the processing and value addition of cassava, yam, and other tuber crops. The objective is to strengthen the agricultural value chain and increase farmers’ income. Additionally, technical support and training will be provided in areas such as cold storage, refrigerated transport, sorting, grading, and processing techniques to minimize post-harvest losses.
**Exchange of Scientists and Germplasm**
Under the MoU, there will be an exchange of scientists and technical experts between the two countries. Furthermore, germplasm, breeding material, scientific information, research methodologies, and technical know-how will be shared. Emphasis will also be placed on establishing long-term collaboration between the research institutions of both nations.
**Joint Working Group to Oversee Implementation**
This collaboration will be monitored by a Joint Working Group comprising representatives from ICAR and CSIR-CRI. The group will meet periodically in New Delhi and Accra to review project progress and determine the future course of action.
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The Ministry of Agriculture believes that this partnership will foster better synergy among agricultural research, technology development, capacity building, and commercial application. This initiative will promote sustainable agricultural development in Ghana, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
