While dry-season vegetable farming has been recognized as a high-return investment in agriculture, further steps are needed to enhance the practice. Mohammed Buhari, the District Director for Agriculture in the Kassena-Nankana West District, explained in a recent interview on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show that dry-season farming in the area is more profitable than rainy-season farming due to the high market value of vegetables like pepper compared to cereals.
He noted that dry-season farming helps circumvent weather-related issues and is typically conducted on small plots. However, he emphasized the need for reliable water sources, such as dams or underground water systems with pumping machines, to support its expansion.
Mr. Buhari also discussed ongoing projects aimed at supporting local farmers, including the Ghana Landscape Resiliency Project, a small-scale mining initiative that provides seeds and fertilizers to farmers in seven communities in the district, with a focus on promoting soil management practices. “
We have a project called the Ghana Landscape Restoration Project, which is a small-scale mining initiative. It also supports farmers with seeds and fertilizers, and its main focus is to use this support to promote soil management practices. The project is being implemented in seven communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District, and between 80 to 100 members per community receive these inputs free of charge.”
Additionally, he pointed out that a European Union (EU)-funded project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting agricultural development. Looking ahead, Mr. Buhari urged those who have not yet registered for the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) 2.0 project to do so promptly.
“Going forward, the PFJ 2.0 project is a wake-up call for everyone who has not yet registered to do so.”
Meanwhile, he clarified that recent disturbances at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) office by NPP youth, who questioned the fairness of fertilizer distribution lists, stemmed from a lack of information. He reassured that the issue has been resolved and distribution will proceed as planned, emphasizing that only registered farmers will receive their share. “I presume they acted out of a lack of information,” he said.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
