India–Ghana MoU puts cold storage and refrigerated transport at the centre of a five-year post-harvest research partnership

A five-year Memorandum of Understanding between India's Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ghana's Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) places post-harvest cold-chain technologies at the centre of a broader agricultural research partnership aimed at reducing crop losses.

Cold-chain and processing scope

Post-harvest cooperation under the MoU will focus on cold storage, refrigerated transport, sorting, grading, and processing technologies to address crop losses. The agreement also covers processing and value addition for cassava, yam, and other tuber crops. On the research side, tomato breeding and varietal development form part of the initial cooperation: ICAR will support the introduction of high-yielding tomato lines and varieties suited to Ghana's growing conditions, alongside the transfer of agricultural technologies.

Exchanges and commercial partner

The partnership includes exchanges of scientists, germplasm, breeding materials, and technical knowledge. Arima Farms Ltd. has been designated as CSIR-CRI's commercial partner for specified research and commercialization activities.

Governance and open questions

A Joint Working Group comprising ICAR and CSIR-CRI representatives will oversee implementation, with periodic meetings held in New Delhi and Accra. The agreement does not specify investment commitments, crop targets, or quantified post-harvest loss reduction objectives.