Kumasi, March 4, – The Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has warned farmers, traders and consumers against the use of cement powder in preserving cowpea (beans), describing the practice as dangerous and scientifically unacceptable.
The Institute said the method, reportedly being used by some actors in the beans value chain to control storage pests, posed serious health threats to consumers and undermined food safety efforts in Ghana.
Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of the CRI, said the warning followed a viral social media video which appeared to demonstrate the use of cement powder in storing cowpea grains.
He said the information circulating online was misleading and could easily deceive the public if left unchallenged.
“Cement is not a food-grade substance and must never be used for food or grain preservation,” the statement stressed, adding that people should be cautious about adopting agricultural advice obtained from unverified social media sources.
The Institute therefore urged the public to seek guidance from credible institutions before applying or sharing agricultural practices.
Farmers were advised to consult extension officers from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture or officials of the CRI to confirm the authenticity of farming technologies and storage methods before using them.
According to the Institute, the use of cement powder could contaminate food and create serious public health risks.
Instead, it encouraged the adoption of safe and scientifically approved storage practices to protect cowpea grains from pest infestation.
These include drying the grains to a safe moisture content of about 12 to 13 per cent before storage and keeping them in hermetic containers such as airtight PICS bags.
The Institute also recommended the use of approved grain protectants and proper sanitation of storage facilities as part of integrated pest management.
It further highlighted the use of botanical protectants, including neem seed powder, neem oil extracts and wood ash, which are locally available and carry minimal chemical residue risks.
Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder derived from fossilised algae, was also identified as a safe option that could be mixed with cowpea grains to control storage pests.
The CRI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, evidence-based post-harvest practices to improve food safety, maintain grain quality and support farmer productivity.
GHBUSS
March 4, 2026
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