By Gloria Anderson
Principal Investigator for the Bt Cowpea project at CSIR-SARI, Dr. Jerry Nboyine, has described insect pests, particularly the Maruca vitrata (legume pod borer), as the most significant threat to cowpea production in Ghana. “This pest alone can cause yield losses of up to 80% by destroying flowers and pods,” he explained. However, the Singularity Bt Cowpea variety, approved in July 2023, offers a breakthrough.
“The moment the maruca larvae attempt to feed on the flowers or pods of this variety, they die,” Dr. Nboyine stated.
This genetic trait drastically reduces the need for pesticide applications. Instead of spraying multiple times, farmers only need to conduct two rounds of spraying to control other pests, representing significant cost and labour savings.
He cited an example from a field trial where conventional cowpea plots that were not sprayed yielded nothing, whereas the Bt cowpea plots still produced appreciable harvests. In 2023, under delayed rainfall and drought conditions in Northern Ghana, only those who planted the Bt cowpea had a successful harvest. “Seed companies that planted Bt cowpea in late August managed to harvest, unlike those using conventional varieties,” he noted, attributing this success to the variety’s pest resistance and early maturity traits.
Regarding seed availability, Dr. Nboyine said over 7,000 kg of breeder seed has been produced and distributed to seed companies nationwide. “We are committed to ensuring high-quality Bt cowpea seed is accessible to all farmers at standard Ministry of Agriculture prices,” he emphasised. For interested parties outside Tamale, arrangements can be made to deliver seeds after payment.
On collaborations, he clarified that while external organisational support is welcomed, CSIR-SARI is primarily partnering with licensed seed companies to ensure widespread distribution.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nboyine hinted at ongoing research innovations but maintained that the current focus is to ensure successful adoption of the Singularity Bt Cowpea: “The future is bright, but for now, we want to ensure this variety reaches every farmer who needs it.”
Farmer Alhassan, who farms in the Northern Region, shared his firsthand experience with the Bt Cowpea. Having previously cultivated up to two hectares with conventional varieties, he adopted the new Bt cowpea variety on a smaller, trial basis in 2023.
“Rainfall was very bad last year. The first proper rains came around 20th August, which is quite late. But even under those conditions, I was able to harvest something from the Bt cowpea,” he said.
Compared to neighbouring farmers who planted conventional cowpea and ended the season with zero yields, Alhassan reported modest but valuable returns.
“Even though poor moisture affected pod filling, I was still able to harvest between 9 to 10 kg per 150 m² plot,” he added, expressing optimism about expanding his acreage with the Bt variety in subsequent seasons.
A local Seed Producer affiliated with the CSIR-SARI seed multiplication effort also shared insights. “Our role has been to take the breeder seeds and multiply them into certified seeds for wider distribution. Demand has been increasing steadily since the release of the Bt cowpea,” the producer noted.
He confirmed that seeds are being sold at standard prices approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, and that farmers are beginning to understand the value proposition. “It’s not just about pest resistance, it’s about consistent yields under erratic rainfall. That’s what we witnessed last season.”
Distribution has so far covered various districts in the Northern, Upper East, and parts of the Bono East regions. The producer expressed hope that future collaborations with farmer cooperatives and extension services will boost adoption even further. The release of Bt Cowpea marks a significant stride in Ghana’s agricultural biotechnology efforts.
For smallholder farmers grappling with climate variability and pest pressure, it offers a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution. With seed availability ensured and farmer testimonials pouring in, the Bt Cowpea is poised to transform cowpea farming in Ghana.
