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Maize is one of the most important staple crops in Ghana, playing a critical role in food security and national agriculture. It is widely consumed across the country in various forms such as kenkey, banku, and porridge. For farmers, maize is not only a source of food but also a key source of income. As demand increases, so does the need for high-yielding, pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant maize varieties that can thrive under Ghana’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

Choosing the right maize seed variety is essential for achieving high productivity and ensuring profitability. Several improved maize varieties have been developed and released in Ghana by research institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through the Crops Research Institute (CRI) and the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). These varieties are bred to perform well in specific climatic zones, resist common diseases, and offer better grain quality.

This article explores the best maize seed varieties available to Ghanaian farmers today. It explains the unique features of each variety, their growing conditions, and why they are preferred by farmers across different regions of the country.

1. Obatanpa

Obatanpa is one of the most widely known and cultivated maize varieties in Ghana. Developed by the Crops Research Institute, it is a quality protein maize (QPM) that contains higher levels of lysine and tryptophan compared to traditional varieties. These amino acids make it more nutritious, especially for children and pregnant women.

Obatanpa performs well in the forest and forest-savanna transition zones and is known for its moderate drought tolerance. It takes approximately 110 to 120 days to reach maturity and produces large, white grains with good milling and processing qualities. Farmers appreciate Obatanpa for its consistent yields, which can reach up to 6 to 7 tonnes per hectare under good management.

Its strong root system and tall plants make it suitable for intercropping with legumes, adding value to its role in sustainable farming systems. Because of its nutritional benefits and adaptability, Obatanpa remains a favorite choice for both food and commercial maize production in Ghana.

Read Also: Maize Planting Calendar in Kenya: A Season-by-Season Guide for Farmers

2. Aburohemaa

Aburohemaa is another top-performing maize variety released by the Crops Research Institute. It was developed specifically for farmers in the southern part of Ghana, particularly in the forest and forest-savanna transition zones. It is an early-maturing variety that reaches maturity in about 90 to 100 days, making it ideal for areas with shorter rainfall periods.

One of the key advantages of Aburohemaa is its strong tolerance to common maize diseases such as leaf blight and rust. It also produces uniform, well-filled cobs with large, white grains that are suitable for both local consumption and industrial processing.

Yields typically range from 5 to 6 tonnes per hectare under good agronomic practices. Farmers also prefer it because of its excellent shelling percentage and ease of harvesting. Aburohemaa responds well to fertilizer and performs best on well-drained loamy soils.

Due to its short growth cycle and reliable performance, Aburohemaa allows for multiple cropping seasons in a year and helps farmers maximize land use and income.

3. Okomasa

Okomasa is a high-yielding open-pollinated variety that has been a reliable choice for many maize farmers in Ghana. Released by the Crops Research Institute, it is best suited for the forest-savanna transition and guinea savanna zones.

This variety is known for its tall plants, good resistance to lodging, and strong adaptability to varying soil conditions. Okomasa matures in about 110 to 120 days and produces white, flint-textured grains that are highly valued in local markets.

Farmers choose Okomasa because it performs well even under moderate fertilizer application, making it suitable for smallholder farmers with limited resources. With good management, yields can range between 5 and 7 tonnes per hectare.

Okomasa’s strong stalks make it resistant to wind damage, and its cobs are usually large and well-filled. It is also relatively tolerant to striga, a parasitic weed that affects maize crops in the savanna regions.

Its reliability, adaptability, and grain quality make Okomasa a strong option for both food and market-oriented maize farmers.

4. Mamaba

Mamaba is a hybrid maize variety developed to provide high yields in the savanna and transition zones of Ghana. It is particularly valued for its high tolerance to drought and early maturity, making it a top performer in northern Ghana where rainfall patterns can be unpredictable.

Mamaba matures in about 95 to 105 days and is suitable for both early and late planting seasons. It produces yellow, semi-flint grains that are ideal for poultry feed, making it attractive to farmers who also operate in the livestock sector.

Under optimal conditions, Mamaba can yield up to 7 tonnes per hectare, although it requires good agronomic practices and timely application of fertilizer. Its shorter growth cycle and strong disease resistance contribute to its popularity among commercial maize producers.

Because Mamaba is a hybrid, farmers need to buy fresh seeds every season to maintain its performance, unlike open-pollinated varieties which can be replanted. Despite this, its high returns and resilience make Mamaba a preferred option for many serious maize farmers.

5. Wang Dataa

Wang Dataa is a high-yielding hybrid maize variety released by the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute. It was developed specifically for the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana, where farming conditions are more challenging due to limited rainfall and poor soil fertility.

This variety matures early in about 90 to 100 days and has excellent tolerance to drought and common diseases such as streak virus and rust. It produces yellow grains with good market acceptance, especially in areas where yellow maize is preferred for animal feed or processing.

Wang Dataa has a strong root system and performs well under low-input conditions, making it ideal for resource-poor farmers. It is also suitable for areas prone to striga infestation and other soil constraints.

Yield potential ranges from 4 to 6 tonnes per hectare depending on farm management and weather conditions. Its early maturity also allows for flexibility in planting schedules and helps farmers cope with changing climate patterns.

Wang Dataa has grown in popularity due to its resilience and suitability for the savanna zone, giving farmers in these regions a dependable variety for both food security and income generation.

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