CSIR and ARIMA Farms partner to boost local wheat production and strengthen Ghana’s food security
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has formalized a strategic partnership with Arima Farms Limited through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday 24th July 2025. The agreement marks a pivotal step toward advancing Ghana’s self-sufficiency in staple crops, notably wheat and soybeans, which are slated for commercial cultivation. This strategic initiative is expected to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on food imports and bolster national food security.
A National Initiative for Food Security and Economic Growth
Professor Marian Dorcas Quain, Deputy Director-General of CSIR, who signed on behalf of the CSIR Director-General Professor Paul Bosu, underscored the significance of the partnership, noting that it aligns seamlessly with the government’s broader agenda to reset Ghana’s economy through innovative research and greater private sector involvement. “Our vision is to foster a 24-hour economy that drives growth across all sectors,” she emphasized. “This MoU is a testament to our strategic focus on private sector-driven research, capacity building, and sustainable agricultural development.”
A Milestone in Ghana's Agricultural Transformation
CSIR, with its extensive network of 13 specialized institutes nationwide and approximately 60 research stations, is positioned as a leader in scientific research and technological innovation in West Africa. This partnership builds upon a successful testing phase initiated in 2023, during which various wheat varieties were trialed nationwide. CSIR researchers have evaluated multiple lines, resulting in the selection of 20 promising wheat varieties for further development.
Professor Quain emphasized the significance of the MoU, stating, “If we are to ensure food security, we must cultivate wheat locally in Ghana. This partnership with Arima Farms is pivotal in our efforts to create a resilient food system, saving foreign exchange and fostering local agricultural capacities.” She added; “If we don’t grow, why should we import wheat? With this reset agenda and CSIR’s interventions in partnership with Arima Farms, we are on the path to cultivating wheat locally in Ghana, thereby saving foreign exchange and creating a resilient food system.”
Prof. Marian D. Quain (seated right), Deputy Director General, CSIR, and Saalai Manikam(seated left), MD, Arima Farms Limited, signing the MoU. With them are Barima Acheampong SarpongII (left), Director, Business Development, Arima Farms Limited, and Mrs. Naomi Owusu Appiah (right), Director of Commercialisation,,CSIR.
Driving Local Production of Wheat and Soybeans
The MoU extends beyond wheat to include the expansion of soybean cultivation, as well as the introduction of innovative farming technologies. The initiative also emphasizes soil health improvement, reflecting CSIR’s holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.
Arima Farms, which began its relationship with CSIR in 2021, brings private sector investment, international linkages, and a focus on commercial execution. The company is actively securing farmlands in the Ashanti Region, particularly in the areas of Drobanso and Kumawu, in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Kumasi, for seed multiplication and large-scale cultivation.
Ms. Saalai Manikam, Managing Director of Arima Farms Ghana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to a long-term, indigenous development project. “We are pleased to collaborate with CSIR and are committed to providing an end-to-end solution, from training farmers to off-take and buy-back arrangements, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” she said.
Leveraging International Technologies for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The project will integrate advanced agricultural technologies from India. Arima Farms has formed partnerships with Mahindra & Mahindra to provide tractors and farm implements, and Jain Irrigation, one of the world’s largest suppliers of irrigation solutions, to deliver affordable irrigation systems. These technologies are crucial in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring consistent agricultural output.
Empowering Youth Through Agricultural Opportunities
This project is designed to create job opportunities, particularly for the youth, through training programmes aimed at cultivating “agri-preneurs” who will manage plots within larger farms. This aligns with Ghana’s broader objectives for youth empowerment and sustainable rural development.
Outlook
While soybean varieties are expected to be available for farmers within one to two years, the more complex process of wheat variety release is projected to take two to three years. Nonetheless, the partners are optimistic about the long-term prospects. Professor Quain expressed confidence: “Our research-backed approach, combined with private sector investment and support from traditional authorities, positions Ghana to become wheat sufficient within the next decade. With continuous innovation and collaboration, we believe this vision is achievable.”
In addition to crop development, CSIR Ghana seeks to leverage technological advancements in sectors such as coconut research from India. The collaboration with Arima Farms will enable the acquisition of knowledge and technologies that can be adapted to suit Ghana's agricultural context, further diversifying and fortifying the nation’s agricultural foundation.
Source: Corporate Affairs Division
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