Scientists have asked government to commit more resources to agricultural research in order to ensure productivity and food security.
Though others have argued that research works have been abandoned, researchers strongly oppose the assertion.
Dr Abdullai B. Salifu, Director General of the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), speaking at the launch of the 6th African Agriculture Science Week in Accra, stressed the need for government to financially resource research institutions to carry out their mandate.
The Director-General, who made a case for government to invest in agriculture, pointed out that research is the backbone of agriculture.
He called for the institution of the appropriate funding mechanism for the financing of research and agriculture.
CSIR, he said, has over the years developed variety of food crops, which can ensure high yield.
?We have also developed improved breeds which can flourish in our agro climate conditions.?
Joe Oteng-Adjei, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, in a speech read on his behalf, noted that government intends to increase its spending on research and development.
?Given the importance that agriculture has in achieving our national goals, government is working to ensure that a significant proportion of increased research and development spending is directed to agriculture and related activities.?
He said government was particularly keen on ensuring that research funding was based on clearly defined research goals.
In this regard, the Minister said, funding for research platforms that cut across institutions will be encouraged. Individual researchers and research groups, whether in the national agricultural research systems, universities, CSIR and other scientific establishments or the private sector, would be enabled to form platforms for joint research in key priority areas.?
The 6th Africa Agriculture Science Week, themed ?Africa: feeding Africa through agricultural science and innovation,? is slated for July 15 and 20, 2013.
Professor Motey Jones, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, main organizers of the Africa Agriculture Science Week, noted that it is possible to reduce poverty in Africa as a result of sustainable broad-based agricultural growth and improved livelihoods.
He said the science week would create the platform for networking, information and knowledge exchange on agricultural innovation.
?By Emelia Ennin Abbey
