The newly appointed Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of the Upper Region (ICOUR), Mr. Dominic Anarigide, has pledged to champion the interests of farmers in Northern Ghana, especially within the Upper East Region, by advocating for protective tariffs on agricultural imports and building strategic partnerships to improve farming outcomes.
Mr. Anarigide made the commitment during a courtesy meeting with the regional leadership of the National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (NAFF), led by its Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Shaibu, at the ICOUR office in Tono, Navrongo.
Enhancing Farmer-Government Collaboration
The meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework between ICOUR and NAFF to promote agricultural productivity, dry season irrigation farming, and profitability for local farmers and fisherfolk. Mr. Anarigide stressed that protecting locally grown produce from the influx of cheaper foreign agricultural goods was critical for sustaining livelihoods in the region.
“We are committed to working with the government and institutional partners to implement protective tariffs that shield local farmers from unfair competition,” he said.
Promoting Commercial Agriculture and Mechanization
Mr. Anarigide urged farmers to shift towards commercial agriculture, leveraging mechanization services, input credit schemes, and dry-season irrigation. He highlighted the importance of a strong farmer association to push for better policies and programs, noting the numerical strength of farmers across the region.
“We discussed a wide range of issues, including capacity building, market access, and credit arrangements. A unified and business-minded farmers’ association can be a powerful force for change,” he added.
NAFF Responds with Support
In his remarks, NAFF Chairman Mohammed Shaibu welcomed the Managing Director’s vision, stating that the association is ready to collaborate with ICOUR to improve farming practices, expand irrigated lands, and enhance yields throughout the region.
“We appreciate the new director’s proactive approach and pledge our full support to achieve shared goals in agricultural development,” Mr. Shaibu said.
Toward Sustainable Agricultural Growth in Upper East Region
The engagement marks a strategic step toward revitalizing irrigation agriculture in Northern Ghana, particularly around the Tono Irrigation Scheme, and building resilient farming systems that are competitive both locally and globally.
Mr. Anarigide emphasized that ICOUR remains open to partnerships with both public and private actors that are geared toward empowering farmers and strengthening food security in the region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
