CSIR-SARI advances to semifinals in Seeding The Future Global Food Challenge with NIR tool to combat aflatoxin in groundnuts

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. Their project focuses on developing a Near-Infrared (NIR) tool. This tool will rapidly screen groundnuts for aflatoxin resistance to combat contamination.

The approach aims to reduce contamination using two antifungal metabolites in peanut seed coats. This sustainable solution benefits farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in northern Ghana.

Dr. Leslie Commey, a research scientist at CSIR-SARI, explained that this method helps smallholder farmers. It reduces crop losses from aflatoxin contamination, which lowers yields and causes economic losses. This method is more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional post-harvest management.

The institution aims to improve food safety and reduce trade barriers. They also want to strengthen groundnut farming resilience in Africa. This will create a more profitable agricultural system for smallholder farmers.

Farmers can select resistant germplasm early in breeding processes. This increases productivity and improves harvest quality, allowing for higher market values. Reducing aflatoxin contamination opens access to broader markets, including international ones with strict standards like Europe.

This access boosts income for smallholder farmers and contributes to local economic growth, Dr. Commey stated.

Only 36 organizations have advanced to the semifinals of this challenge. These include Boundless Haven Solutions from Djibouti and Deutsche Welthungerhilfe from Niger.

Thirteen winners will share a $1 million prize fund. Up to eight Seed Grant winners will receive $25,000 each. Three Growth Grant winners will get $100,000 each, while two Grand Prize winners will receive $250,000 each.

All semifinalists will be included in the Seeding The Future Global Food System Innovation Database and Network under development. This platform highlights innovations to global organizations like FAO and the World Food Programme.

It creates opportunities for funding and collaboration with philanthropic groups and investors.

**ABOUT CSIR-SARI NIR TOOL**

The NIR tool uses light to study chemical bonds without damaging samples. It creates patterns that reveal the chemical makeup of compounds within samples.

To measure these compounds, the NIR tool uses a calibration model based on known amounts of target compounds measured by methods like HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). Once tested, this model allows accurate estimation of specific compound concentrations in unknown samples by analyzing spectral patterns.

The NIR tool offers many advantages over traditional wet chemistry methods. It provides faster analysis with minimal sample preparation, making it efficient and affordable. It does not require reagents or solvents, lowering costs and environmental impact.

Additionally, it is easy to use for large-scale testing with less technical knowledge needed. Its ability to process many samples quickly boosts productivity in resource-limited areas.

Dr. Commey noted that their proposal aims to use NIR technology for creating a strong calibration model. This model will help select groundnut germplasm resistant to Aspergillus flavus by measuring key antifungal compounds found in seed coats.

Developing this calibration model allows efficient screening of large numbers of groundnut lines. It promotes rapid identification of resistant varieties while addressing public health concerns related to aflatoxin contamination.