Agricultural Polcy Consultant, Emmanuel Wullingdool has said the country’s inability to take a holistic approach to agricultural interventions is compounding crop production issues and increasin deficits. He criticized the lack of attention to addressing “leakages” in the system.
His comments follow remarks from the District Director of Agriculture, Mr. Jonal Yiran, who noted during this year’s Farmers’ Day that the dry spell experienced this year has caused a deficit in maize and cowpea production.
In an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Wullingdool stated that agricultural policies, such as those aimed at boosting poultry farming, should be better aligned with other crucial areas, like maize production, to ensure the country’s self-sufficiency. He emphasized that without considering the interconnectedness of various sectors, achieving substantial progress in agriculture remains a significant challenge. “This has once again exposed our failure to ensure that these leakages are addressed. If we, as a country, decide to pursue a particular target in one sector without considering other connected sectors, it becomes a very big challenge.”
Regarding the ongoing ban on cereal exports, he noted that the government has not yet provided an update on whether the ban has been lifted, though he speculated that it likely remains in force to prevent the export of domestic supplies. He pointed to weak border enforcement as a critical issue, suggesting that despite the ban, the risk of illegal exports remains high. “On the ban on cereal exports, we still haven’t seen any formal communication on whether it has been lifted. I believe it is still in force, which suggests that the government wants to ensure that what is within the system does not leave the country.”
Mr. Wullingdool also underscored the importance of pricing as a key factor in the agricultural sector. He argued that the government should focus on offering farmers competitive prices for their produce rather than providing direct financial support, which could be prone to bias. A better pricing system, he suggested, would encourage farmers to sell their produce locally, reducing the need for them to sell to private individuals or engage in illegal exports.
Looking ahead, Mr. Wullingdool stressed the need for more proactive measures to prepare farmers for future challenges, particularly those posed by climate change. He proposed that government investment in digital tools, such as USSD codes, could help farmers access essential information, like weather updates, directly on their phones.
This would play a crucial role in empowering farmers to make informed decisions, especially given the unpredictable weather patterns associated with climate change. “These days, simple USSD codes can provide farmers with such information. So it’s about the government giving real meaning to its digitization drive. If we want to bring digitization closer to the ordinary Ghanaian, these are the things we need to focus on.”
However, he emphasized that while technological solutions are important, the primary challenge remains adapting to the realities of a changing climate. He urged policymakers and farmers alike to recognize that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality that requires strategic planning and swift action.
“For me, the more important point is that, whether or not this information is available, the reality is that climate change is here with us. So, regardless of how well we can predict it, we must be prepared to adapt.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga|
