Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has reached the semifinals of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge with its project focused on developing an NIR (Near-Infrared)  tool for the rapid screening of aflatoxin-resistant groundnuts to help combat aflatoxin contamination.

The approach seeks to reduce contamination by utilizing two naturally occurring antifungal metabolites found in peanut seed coats. This dual strategy offers a sustainable solution for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in northern Ghana.

Research scientist at CSIR-SARI, Dr. Leslie Commey, said the method can help smallholder farmers reduce crop losses caused by aflatoxin contamination, which currently results in lower yields and economic losses. It provides a more sustainable and cost-effective solution compared to traditional post-harvest management methods.

He said the institution aims to improve food safety, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen the resilience of groundnut farming in Africa, creating a more sustainable and profitable agricultural system for smallholder farmers.

“With the ability to select resistant germplasm early in the breeding process, farmers can increase productivity while improving the quality of their harvest, which can be sold at higher market values.

"Additionally, the reduction in aflatoxin contamination will allow farmers to access a broader range of markets, particularly international markets with strict aflatoxin standards, such as Europe. This opens up opportunities for smallholder farmers to gain access to higher-value markets, boosting their income and contributing to local economic growth,” Dr Commey stated.

Only 36 organizations including Boundless Haven Solutions in Djibouti, Deutsche Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in Niger, iPAGE Global, Inc. in Bangladesh, Safe Environment Hub – Kenya among others have also advanced to the semifinals of the challenge.

A total of 13 winners will share in USD $1 million prize fund, with up to eight Seed Grant winners receiving $25,000 each, up to three Growth Grant winners awarded $100,000 each, and up to two Seeding The Future Grand Prize winners receiving $250,000 each. All semifinalists will also be included in the Seeding The Future Global Food System Innovation Database and Network, currently under development.

The peer-reviewed, interactive platform will highlight innovations to global organizations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme, as well as philanthropic groups and the investment community, creating opportunities for funding and collaboration.

ABOUT CSIR-SARI NIR TOOL

The NIR (Near-Infrared) tool is a method that doesn’t damage the sample and uses light to study the chemical bonds or structures in it. The light creates a special pattern that shows the chemical makeup of the compounds in the sample.

To measure the amount of these compounds, the NIR tool uses a calibration model. This model is created by comparing the NIR data with known amounts of target compounds, usually measured with a reference method like HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), which is a wet chemistry technique. After the model is tested and confirmed, the NIR tool can accurately estimate the concentration of specific compounds in unknown samples by analyzing their spectral patterns.

The NIR tool has many benefits over traditional wet chemistry methods, such as faster analysis with little sample preparation, making it more efficient and affordable. It doesn’t require reagents or solvents, which lowers costs and reduces environmental impact. The NIR tool is easy to use, allowing for quicker, large-scale testing with less technical knowledge needed. Its ability to process many samples quickly and provide real-time data greatly boosts productivity, particularly in areas with limited resources.

Dr. Commey explained that, building on the availability of the NIR tool, the proposal for the Global Food System Challenge aims to use NIR technology to create a strong calibration model. The model will help select and predict groundnut germplasm resistant to Aspergillus flavus by measuring the concentrations of two key antifungal compounds, 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and ferulic acid, found in the seed coat.

The development of the calibration model for aflatoxin-resistant germplasm will allow for efficient and cost-effective screening of large numbers of groundnut lines, promoting the rapid identification of resistant varieties. “This approach offers a scalable solution to combat aflatoxin contamination, addressing public health concerns and improving the economic viability of groundnut production in Ghana and other African nations.”