Kwadaso (Ash), Feb. 25, – The Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) and partners are deploying artificial intelligence to tackle Ghana’s seed system challenges.
Under the FCDO-funded SeedSure Project, collaborators include MMVSense and Gyre Energy Ltd (both UK) and Smart Agri (Brazil). Project lead Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey, a CSIR-CRI researcher, highlighted AI-powered germination monitoring and smart thermal energy storage that ensure seed viability amid power instability.
The system delivers near real-time germination assessments, while AI-controlled thermal storage keeps cold rooms stable during outages—slashing seed spoilage, post-harvest losses, and reliance on diesel generators.
“This supports climate-smart agriculture by cutting energy use, costs, and emissions, while fortifying national seed systems,” Dr. Botey said at a Kwadaso demonstration for seed producers, regulators, and inspectors.
Power fluctuations have long destroyed 60-100% of stored seeds due to unstable temperatures, he noted. The new “AI energy bricks” shrink compressor cycles from 22 minutes to 8-12, saving time and money, and hold steady temps even without power.
Researchers now test maize and soybean with a phone-based AI germination app, replacing slow manual methods to streamline regulation and certification. Expansion to rice and tomatoes is planned, with training ahead for producers.
The cold storage tech shows strong early results but needs more observation before value-chain rollout.
Dr. Botey urged government investment in cold storage for a robust seed system and food security.
GHBUSS
February 25, 2026
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