Ensure Seed Access for Farmers: OFAB Africa, Scientists Urge Government on PBR Cowpea Rollout

 

By William Sarpong, Managing Editor for Environmental Guide 

The PBR (Pod Borer Resistant) Cowpea, commercially planted for the first time in Ghana, is already drawing attention from farmers, seed producers, and international scientists. On a recent visit to northern Ghana, a delegation from the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Africa engaged with local farmers and seed producers, tracking the real-time performance of this breakthrough crop. What they found was both promising and revealing, a glimpse of a transformative future for Ghana’s agricultural landscape.

OFAB Africa Delegation: A Promising Start Amid Early Challenges

Meeting with selected farmers in the Northern Region, the OFAB Africa delegation sought to understand the early outcomes of the PBR Cowpea, a genetically engineered variety developed to resist the destructive Maruca vitrata pest. While acknowledging that it is too early to assess long-term impact, delegation members were encouraged by clear indicators of the crop's potential.

“We know it's the first year and impact takes time, but early testimonies are pointing in the right direction, especially in yield improvement and Maruca resistance,” one delegation member noted. “Farmers are already comparing it to conventional varieties and seeing the difference, especially under challenging weather.”

The group found that even under extreme drought conditions, PBR Cowpea still managed to produce yields, unlike conventional varieties that completely failed. More importantly, farmers reported reduced reliance on chemical sprays, significantly cutting production costs.

The Scientist's Perspective: "Maruca Is No Longer a Threat"

Dr. Jerry Nboyine, Principal Research Scientist and Entomologist at CSIR-SARI and the lead investigator on the BT Cowpea project, emphasized the scientific rationale behind the success of the Sombotra (PBR) Cowpea.

“Maruca is the most devastating pest for Cowpea farmers in Ghana. It can destroy up to 80% of a farm’s output,” he said. “But with the PBR Cowpea, the technology kills the pest before it can damage the flowers or pods, making spraying nearly unnecessary.”

Dr Nboyine further clarified that the variety requires only two insecticide applications instead of the weekly sprays needed for conventional varieties — a win for the environment and farmers’ wallets. Currently, over 7,000 kilograms of seeds are available, with efforts underway to scale up multiplication and distribution.

Farmers' Voices: Yield, Hope, and a Plea for Access

Among the farmers visited was Amadu Alhassan, President of the Distributors Association in Tamale. He planted one acre of the PBR Cowpea during last year’s harsh drought.

“While others harvested nothing from their conventional seeds, I still got something from the PBR Cowpea,” he said. “I used fewer pesticides, I saw no Maruca, and the cost of production was much lower.”

Alhassan believes the PBR Cowpea is a lifeline for Ghanaian farmers battling pests and climate change. But like many others, his main concern is access. “We are ready. We have seen the results. But we need timely access to the seeds to make this work.”

Seed Producers' Insight: Scaling Up, Lowering Costs

Abdullah, CEO of Prosperity Farms and a leading seed producer praised the new variety's impact not only on farming but also on the seed business.

“We’ve been dealing with the Songotra and other varieties for years, but this one is different,” he said. “Farmers want something that gives yield without high spraying costs. If I can produce and supply such seed, it's a win for all of us.”

He highlighted that lower pesticide use means lower cost inputs, which means farmers can buy quality seeds without added financial burden. “Ultimately, everyone benefits — the producer, the seller, and the farmer.”

Call to Action: Government Must Step In

Despite its early success, one message resonated throughout the engagement: access to seeds remains the biggest challenge. While CSIR has developed and released the PBR Cowpea and foundation seeds, large-scale multiplication and distribution are needed.

“The solution is here. Farmers want it. Researchers have done their part,” the OFAB Africa delegation concluded. “Now it’s time for the government to step in and support the multiplication and distribution process. Let’s not allow this innovation to sit idle when farmers are hungry for change.”

As Ghana battles food insecurity, pest invasions, and climate change, the story of the PBR Cowpea is not just about science — it’s about resilience, opportunity, and a future that feeds its people. The pods are ready; what remains is the political will to plant the promise across the nation.