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CSIR calls for preservation of plant
genetic resources
Bunso (E/R), Aug. 6, Ghanadot/GNA
- Prof Emmanuel Owusu-Bennoah, Director General, Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has appealed to
the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) to
play its mandated role of preserving plant genetic resources
of the country.
He said that role was very unique and crucial to the very
existence of plants.
Prof Owusu-Bennoah, who was inaugurating a seven-member
Management Board of the PGRRI at Bunso on Tuesday, expressed
worry that most plant genetic resources like grass cutters,
snails among others were gradually disappearing and urged
the institute to live up to expectation.
He said creative and commercially sound linkages should be
established with the private sector to come out with
demand-driven research programmes for effective and
financially rewarding commercial operations in the
institute.
Prof Owusu-Bennoah congratulated members of the board on
their appointment and expressed optimism that they would
bring their varied experiences to bear on the activities of
the institute to ensure objectives are achieved at the end
of their three-year term.
Mr Wilson Attah Krofa, Chairman of the Management Board,
expressed his gratitude for the appointment and said they
would work hard to make the institute viable.
He said 40 percent of their time would be devoted to finding
money for the institute while the other 60 percent would be
for conducting research.
Mr Attah Krofa said there was strong demand for medicinal
plants overseas and that they would identify species that
could be nursed for export.
Dr Lawrence Misa Aboagye, Acting Director PGRRI, expressed
his gratitude to the government, the CSIR management, the
Management Boards and donors for supporting the institute
over the past 14 years.
GNA
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