Despite a challenging dry spell affecting parts of the Upper East and other northern regions of Ghana, the Kasena Nankana West District has experienced a remarkable boost in crop yields, particularly in maize, sorghum, groundnuts, cowpeas, and soybeans.
This encouraging development was highlighted by Mohammed Bukari, Director of the Department of Agriculture, during the district’s 40th Farmers’ Day celebration.
Addressing a gathering of farmers and stakeholders, Mr. Bukari shared data showing significant increases in net crop production, with rice and millet being the only exceptions.
“The data collected and analyzed indicate that crop production indicators in terms of net domestic production and per capita consumption in the Kasena Nankana West District reflect a positive outlook on the food balance sheet for major crops heading into 2025,” he stated.
With an estimated population of over 977,421, the district recorded a net domestic crop production of 19,299.50 metric tonnes in 2024, while estimated net consumption stood at 14,578.40 metric tonnes.
The district’s food requirement is 11,929.50 metric tonnes, resulting in a substantial surplus of 7,370 metric tonnes.
This surplus not only strengthens local food security but also creates opportunities for exporting to neighboring districts, potentially boosting farmers’ incomes and supporting local economies.
Mr. Bukari attributed the district’s agricultural success to two key climate adaptation strategies: tree planting and the Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) technique.
FMNR, a low-cost, sustainable method, promotes pruning and pollarding of existing trees rather than felling them.
According to Mr. Bukari, “FMNR is a sustainable and cost-effective approach for this region. It strengthens the resilience of farmlands by promoting natural tree growth, conserving moisture, and enhancing soil fertility.”
These strategies, coupled with a strong commitment to climate resilience, have helped farmers in Kasena Nankana West counter the impacts of the dry spell, making the district a model for sustainable agricultural practices in northern Ghana.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Kassena-Nankana|
