Nyankpala: Farmers in the northern part of the country, who have adopted the genetically modified cowpea variety, Songotra-T, are now able to cultivate and harvest twice within a single farming season.
According to Ghana News Agency, this advancement has been made possible by the early maturity period of the Songotra-T variety, which takes about 60 to 65 days to mature. This is particularly beneficial for farmers in the northern region of Ghana, where the single rainy season from May to October previously limited them to one planting season per year.
Mr. Abdulai Mohammed, a farmer from Nyankpala in the Tolon District, shared that since adopting Songotra-T in 2024, he has been able to plant and harvest twice in one season, significantly boosting his income compared to conventional cowpea varieties. After convincing his elder brother to try the variety last year, they were able to harvest in mid-July and plant again within the same season.
Mr. Ibrahim Sulemana, another farmer from Gbullung in the Kumbungu District, recounted his experience of successfully harvesting twice in one season. Previously, insufficient rainfall after the first harvest meant waiting until the following year to plant again. However, with Songotra-T, he was able to harvest early in July and plant a second crop, benefiting from the remaining rainy season.
Dr. Jerry Nboyine, a Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, explained that Songotra-T begins flowering about 38 days after planting, with pod formation starting by the 40th day, and is ready for harvest within approximately 65 days. This short growth cycle facilitates multiple harvests, enhancing productivity and incomes for northern Ghanaian farmers.