[ 2012-06-24 ]

Researchers asked to research into nutritional benefits of neglected crops
Accra, June 24, GNA- Researchers have been called
on to take keen interest in researching into
neglected and underutilised crops to educate
people on the potential nutritional benefits and
prospective ways of addressing food security.

“The neglected and under-utilised crops according
to research have unrealised potential to
contribute to human welfare and improve food
security as well as reduce hidden hunger, which is
caused by micro nutrient deficiencies resulting
from uniform diets that rely on a limited number
of food sources”.

Dr Lawrence Aboagye Director of the Plant Genetic
Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) of the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,
made the call at the end of a five-day training
workshop on Research Design and Data Analysis with
focus on Under-utilised Crops Research,” in
Accra.

The workshop was organised by PGRRI in
collaboration with the European Union and ACP
Science and Technology Programme for 22 science
researchers from Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Mali and
Senegal.

Dr Aboagye indicated that more than 7000 edible,
species are being used by mankind and currently,
50 per cent of the global requirement for proteins
and calories depended only on maize, wheat and
rice.

He said research has indicated that there were
many crops that have nutritional needs for mankind
but have not been utilised.

In Ghana, some of the neglected and under-utilised
crops include Bambara ground nuts, baobab and
cocoyam.

Dr Nighisty Ghezae, Head of Programmes for
International Foundation for Science urged
governments and researchers to have a second look
at neglected and under-utilised crops and give
them the needed push to address nutritional needs
of the people and address food security.

Source - GNA

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