The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (Binary), a research institution affiliated with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, recently commemorated three decades of pioneering sustainable agricultural solutions in Ghana by hosting a public lecture.
The primary aim of the event was to shed light on the research institution’s mission and the significant contributions it has made over the past 30 years in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Michael Osae, Director of Binary, shared his insights during an interview with Charles Nyamadi, a reporter from OTEC News.
Dr. Osae pointed out some of the challenges related to the application of biotechnology and modern agricultural technology.
He stressed the importance of developing homegrown technologies rather than relying on foreign technologies. He emphasized that nurturing local innovations would significantly benefit Ghana’s agricultural and biotechnology practices.
Professor Kenneth Danso, former Director of BNARI (Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute) and an Associate Professor at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, highlighted the historical context of biotechnology.
He explained that biotechnology, in various forms, has been utilized in agriculture for many years. For instance, he cited the traditional practice of cocoa farmers allowing harvested cocoa pods to remain in the farm for around seven days before taking them home for drying.
Furthermore, Professor Danso introduced the concept of tissue culture in biotechnology. He explained that tissue culture involves taking seed branches, like stem cuttings, and planting them using modern agricultural methods.
Professor Danso emphasized that tissue culture significantly reduces the time required for plants to produce new shoots or suckers. For instance, it can reduce the propagation period for plantains from nine months to just three months, enhancing crop yields.
In closing, Professor Danso encouraged farmers to stay engaged with the agricultural sector, attend workshops, and embrace new methods and ideas to improve their farming practices.
