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The Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has released seven new maize varieties. They include "Crops-Afriyie", "Crops-Obotantim", "Crops-Dzifoo", "Crops-Ahoofe", "Crops-Emmre dane", "Crops-Ahoodzin" and "Crops-Nkunim". Dr Stella Ama Ennin, Director of the CRI, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a forum at Fumesua, near Kumasi, said the institute was focused on providing food security for the nation. This, she said, was achievable through research, technology transfer and adoption of improved farming practices. The forum, targeting the media, was designed to highlight some technological and research advances made by the institute within the concept of its mandate. It was also to build good rapport between the two institutions to help the nation develop the agricultural sector to an appreciable level. Established in 1964, the institute has now developed more than 30 varieties of improved maize, as well as varieties of cassava, plantain, cowpea, yam and sweet potato for adoption by farmers and other users. Dr Ennin asked the media to champion the cause for sustainable food production to benefit the people.