The University of Cape Coast and Cropron Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a significant step towards the development and evaluation of soybeans for release as varieties in the country.
As part of the agreement, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), through the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, will provide plant breeding space and laboratory resources, initiate and lead breeding programmes, along with the provision of technical know-how and agronomic practices for soybean farmers of Cropron Limited.
According to the MoU, Cropron Limited will offer financial support for the development and evaluation of improved soybean varieties by consensus; provide land space for field trials; support postgraduate research training on the soybean project, as well as establish linkage of UCC and institutions in India that are into soybean research and processing.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, signed on behalf of UCC, while Mr. Lalit Kumar Mishra, the Managing Director, signed for Cropron Limited.
The signing of the MOU took place in the Council Chamber of UCC, with representatives from both institutions in attendance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Boampong expressed confidence in the success of the partnership, ensuring mutual satisfaction for all parties.
Representatives of UCC and Cropron Limited who witnessed the signing of the MoU
He said there was huge demand for soybeans nationally and internationally, stressing that the University would generate soybean planting materials for the company and its out-growers.
He said the University would not relent in its efforts to bring to bear the diversity of expertise of human resources and facilities of UCC on the sustainability of soybean production and processing in Ghana.
For his part, Mr. Lalit Kumar Mishra said the agreements demonstrated the University’s commitment to industrial collaboration and academic excellence.
“Forging partnerships with industry is a win-win for your students and faculty members,” he said.
The Managing Director said the MoU would enable his firm to produce 250, 000 tons of soybeans in Ghana.
Consequently, he indicated that farmers' income would increase significantly.
He lauded Prof. Aaron Asare, the Dean of the School of Biological Science-UCC, for continuously aligning his research with industry.
He recalled with glee the efforts made by Prof. Asare in the area of sugarcane to enable his company to produce sugarcane for the Komenda Sugar Factory.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC