Knowledge Center Catalog

Why QPM moved in Ghana

By: Contributor(s): Material type: TextTextPublication details: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) CIMMYT : 1997ISBN:
  • 92-9146-025-7
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 633.15 EAS No. 5
Summary: The development and utilization of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties, attractive as it may be, has always been in a state of inertia in most research fields. This paper discusses the approaches adopted by Ghanaian scientists which became the major thrust for the research, production and utilization of Obatanpa (QPM). The development of Obatanpa generated the widest span of inter-institutional involvement which included Ghana Grains Development Project of the Crops Research Institute, CIMMYT, SG 2000, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Ministry of Health. Variety development was spearheaded by CRI with close collaboration and financial support from SG 2000. The high acceptability of the varietal name, the agronomic characteristics and eating qualities propelled its production and utilization. The QPM working group scientists conducted a series of tests to dispel the doubts about the usefulness of QPM such as low grain yield, loss of nutritive value due to processing, storage and marketing problems, gene instability and hence possible loss of nutritive value due to cross contamination in production fields. A three-pronged promotional strategy was also adopted; sensitization of policy makers, the use of currently privatized seed industries and the exploitation of the industrial potential of QPM.
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The development and utilization of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties, attractive as it may be, has always been in a state of inertia in most research fields. This paper discusses the approaches adopted by Ghanaian scientists which became the major thrust for the research, production and utilization of Obatanpa (QPM). The development of Obatanpa generated the widest span of inter-institutional involvement which included Ghana Grains Development Project of the Crops Research Institute, CIMMYT, SG 2000, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Ministry of Health. Variety development was spearheaded by CRI with close collaboration and financial support from SG 2000. The high acceptability of the varietal name, the agronomic characteristics and eating qualities propelled its production and utilization. The QPM working group scientists conducted a series of tests to dispel the doubts about the usefulness of QPM such as low grain yield, loss of nutritive value due to processing, storage and marketing problems, gene instability and hence possible loss of nutritive value due to cross contamination in production fields. A three-pronged promotional strategy was also adopted; sensitization of policy makers, the use of currently privatized seed industries and the exploitation of the industrial potential of QPM.

Global Maize Program

English

9712|AGRIS 9702

Jose Juan Caballero

INT2402

CIMMYT Publications Collection


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