Crop research in Saskatchewan is getting a big boost.

Saskatchewan and the federal government are contributing 9.8 million dollars for 39 crop-related research projects.

Premier Scott Moe says the research projects support the provinces goal of crop production reaching 45 million metric tons, agriculture exports increase to 20 billion dollars and value added revenue increase to 10 billion dollars.

This past year, the province had its second biggest crop at 39 million metric tons.

Moe spoke on a conference call Tuesday and highlighted the important work undertaken by farmers in this province to feed a hungry world.

Moe says the province has invested 78 million dollars in research in the last 5 years and it will continue because of continued progress in production.

He pointed to an article showing food production has outstripped the world population growth since 1968 and pointed to Saskatchewan as a key contributor.

The agriculture ministry’s research director, Barb Ziesman, says the funds will help improve crop yields and disease resistance.

Ziesman says 9 crop related groups in Saskatchewan will add a further 3.1 million dollars in crop research projects in 2021.
—-