Research Scientist at the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute has called on the government to help promote underutilized, neglected and orphan leafy vegetables since the level of nutrient contents and medicinal values in those vegetables are unbelievable and unmatched and needed to be given more attention to create awareness about their usefulness.
According to the research scientist, due to modernization, these nutritious leafy vegetables have been neglected and only used in a few parts of the country, especially in the Northern Region, and it's likely to face extinction if steps are not taken to protect, promote and revive its usage among Ghanaians.
It is for these reasons that, the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute at Bunso in collaboration with Crop Trust are embarking on a project to revive the production and consumer interest of some of the underutilized leafy vegetables known locally as Alefu, Ayoyo, sobolo and kenaf.
Speaking in an interview with UTV news, the Consultant of Crop Trust, Dr. Eva Weltzien said the project seeks to collaborate with the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute to come out with the preferred varieties of the leafy vegetables for the farmers to produce more feed the public.
She added that her outfit will continue to support the promotion of the neglected and underutilized leafy vegetables.
A Research Scientist with the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute, Dr. Richard Adu Amoah revealed that the neglected and the under-utilized leafy vegetables are very nutritious and medicinal than the notable ones in the system.
He however used the opportunity and called on the government to help in the promotion of neglected, orphaned and underutilized leafy vegetables.
The Acting Director of the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute, Dr. Daniel Ashie Kotey said as the national genebank which is mandated to collect and preserve plant resources, they will ensure that most of the essential neglected plant crops are not extinct.
Source: Ayeh Ebenezer/Peacefmonline.com
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