CSIR-CRI and ICAR deepen Ghana-India agricultural cooperation

CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) today, 6th October 2026, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, technology development and capacity building.

The partnership was facilitated by Arima Farms Ltd., reflecting the growing collaboration between CSIR-CRI and Arima Farms in linking agricultural research with investment and commercialisation.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director-General of CSIR-Ghana, and Shri Sevala Naik Mude, MEA Central and West Africa, on behalf of the Indian side.

The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India; H.E. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; H.E. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education; Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR-CRI; Ms. Saalai Manikam, Managing Director of Arima Farms Ltd.; Barima Acheampong Sarpong II, Director of Business Development, Arima Farms Ltd.; and Col. Ing. J.M. Opai-Tetteh (Rtd.), Director of Strategic Development, Arima Farms Ltd.

The partnership will initially focus on tomato research and development, cassava and other tuber crops, value addition and post-harvest technologies, while providing opportunities for scientist and germplasm exchange and wider collaborative research.

A second MoU was also signed between the Zoological Survey of India and the Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, further strengthening Ghana–India scientific cooperation.

The ceremony came as Ghana announced its intention to formally apply to join BRICS, highlighting the growing depth of Ghana–India diplomatic and development relations.

For CSIR-CRI, the goal is clear: turning international partnerships into technologies, increased productivity, value addition and improved livelihoods for Ghanaian farmers.

By Prof. Maxwell Asante Darko/Director, CRI