The National Center for Agricultural Research (CNRA) unveiled its latest scientific breakthroughs for 2024 during a workshop held on September 3, 2025, in the meeting room of Man prefecture.
The event brought together producers, agricultural representatives from Tonkpi, Cavally, Guémon, and Bafing, as well as sector partners, highlighting the region’s commitment to modernizing farming practices.
The workshop, chaired by Stéphane Guiriga, Secretary General of the Prefecture, focused on CNRA-Man’s three core research areas: rice, coffee, and cola.
Dr. Boué Alphonse, regional director of CNRA-Man, presented the results of the past year’s research, announcing, “For 2024, we have four new varieties of rice with very good taste,” and introducing “five new varieties of robusta coffee that have good yields and a fairly interesting caffeine level.”
Dr. Boué highlighted the development of organic fertilization techniques using rice straw and coffee hulling residues, which aim to improve plant breeding in nurseries.
He stressed the importance of genetic resource preservation, noting, “Today we have genetic resources that are being preserved. They are essential to ensure varietal succession and prevent the risk of food shortages.”
Addressing the current state of regional crops, Dr. Boué observed that rice cultivation remains widespread but yields are low. Cassava production faces challenges due to insufficient planting material, while coffee orchards, although aging, still produce a Robusta coffee with a distinctive taste.
Dr. Coulibaly Brahima, representing the CNRA Director General, emphasized that the Man station operates within a four-year program cycle and conducts an annual review to align research with local needs.
“It’s an interactive and proactive process,” he said, praising the approach for translating producers’ expectations into funded projects and actionable programs.
Stéphane Guiriga and other officials underscored the value of CNRA’s work in providing innovative, resilient, and sustainable cultivation solutions. Singo Sidiki, president of the National Federation of Rice Growers of Côte d’Ivoire, called for increased resources to ensure the CNRA can fully meet the agricultural sector’s needs.
Concluding the workshop, Dr. Boué urged farmers and stakeholders to adopt the new innovations, emphasizing the importance of using quality rice seeds, cereals, and robust genetic material for coffee and cola to boost yields and strengthen regional food security.
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