International Potato Centre exploring multi-sectoral innovations to boost nutrition security

The International Potato Centre (CIP) is exploring multi-sectoral innovations to boost nutrition security, import substitution and export promotion through roots and tubers in the country.

The roots and tubers include Sweet Potato, Potato, Yam, Cassava and Taro.

They are rich in carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to a healthy diet and can be cooked in various ways such as boiling, baking or frying, and can be used in numerous recipes to add flavour and texture to meals.

In line with that, the CIP, in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), has convened a high-level stakeholder round-table discussion.

It was on the theme “Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation to Enhance Food Security, Promote Import Substitution and Drive Export Promotion through roots and Tubers”.

Participants

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners to chart a path towards a more resilient and self-reliant food system in the country.

Also in attendance was the Director- General of CIP, Dr Simon Heck, who highlighted the transformative potential of orange-fleshed sweet potato as a nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crop with both domestic and export potential.

A key focus of the discussion was on how sweet potato, especially orange-fleshed varieties, can contribute to improved nutrition, import substitution for staple foods, and the creation of viable agro-industrial export markets.

Stakeholders explored research-policy linkages, post-harvest innovations, and scaling strategies to fully realise the crop’s benefits across the value chain.

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, opened the event with a call to action on the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in transforming agriculture and strengthening Ghana’s economic base.

Engagement

As part of the broader engagement, the delegation conducted a field visit to Maflex Company Limited in Vollo, Volta Region.

Maflex is a leading agribusiness specialising in irrigated sweet potato cultivation and export to European supermarkets, including in the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Netherlands, Spain and France.

The visit, the CIP said, provided a practical perspective on how local enterprises were leveraging innovation to meet international standards and contribute to Ghana’s agricultural export drive.

“Discussions with Maflex focused on strengthening partnerships in areas such as using cutting-edge technologies on production and postharvest management, value addition, and market access,” it said.

The visit, according to the CIP, reaffirmed the importance of aligning policy, research, and private sector efforts to support high-impact agribusinesses and unlock Ghana’s export potential through sustainable agriculture.

The round-table and field visit, it said, marked a significant step towards building a robust agricultural ecosystem powered by science, innovation and inclusive collaboration.