CSIR-CRI Engages Stakeholders in Common Bean Production and Value Addition The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) has initiated a collaborative approach with various stakeholders to enhance common bean production and value addition in Ghana. This initiative aims to strengthen the common bean value chain by involving farmers, input suppliers, processors, marketers, and consumers. The key objectives include: * Promoting improved bean varieties: Distributing high-yielding, disease-resistant bean varieties to farmers to increase productivity. * Enhancing production practices: Providing farmers with training and resources on best management practices, such as soil fertility management and pest control. * Facilitating access to inputs: Connecting farmers with reliable suppliers of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. * Encouraging processing and value addition: Supporting the establishment of small-scale processing facilities to transform beans into value-added products, such as flour, paste, and canned beans. * Promoting market linkages: Identifying and connecting producers with potential buyers to ensure stable markets and fair prices. The engagement of stakeholders has played a crucial role in the success of this initiative. Farmers have actively participated in field trials and adopted recommended practices, resulting in increased yields. Input suppliers have provided timely access to quality inputs, while processors and marketers have invested in value-addition activities. As a result, common bean production has seen a significant boost in Ghana. Farmers are now harvesting higher yields, increasing their incomes. Processors are able to meet the growing demand for value-added bean products, creating new employment opportunities. This collaborative approach has also fostered a sense of ownership and sustainability among stakeholders. Farmers are keen to adopt innovative technologies and practices, while processors are committed to developing new products and expanding their markets. The CSIR-CRI continues to play a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating stakeholder engagement. By bringing together diverse actors in the common bean value chain, the institute is creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that benefits all involved.“`html“`html CSIR-CRI engages stakeholders on common beans production, value addition – Ghana Business News