Encouraging Dry Season Farming for Sustainable Agriculture
Mr. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, recently visited Weta in the Ketu North Constituency to engage with local farmers. During this visit, he emphasized the importance of adopting dry season farming practices to ensure consistent food production and enhance the economic well-being of the community.
Benefits of Dry Season Farming
The Deputy Minister highlighted the advantages of cultivating crops such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, okro, and garden eggs during the dry season. He pointed out that these crops can be grown successfully even when there is limited rainfall, thanks to modern irrigation techniques and support from government initiatives.
“I want to encourage you to consider dry season farming,” he said. “If you need support, let us know, and we will see how best we can assist you, including providing small water pumps for irrigation.”
During the dry season, the prices of key vegetables like tomatoes and onions tend to rise significantly. By ensuring year-round farming, the community can maintain a steady supply of food and potentially increase their income through better market access.
Government Support Through the Feed Ghana Project
As part of the government’s ‘Feed Ghana Project,’ Mr. Dumelo distributed fertilizers to farmers in the area. He noted that Ketu North was the first district in the Volta Region to receive this support, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.
“The aim of the Feed Ghana Project is simple—let’s feed ourselves, feed Ghana, and export the rest,” he stated. “I want to make sure the Volta Region becomes the breadbasket of Ghana. That is why I’m committed to ensuring farmers here get the support they need.”
Future Agricultural Development
To further support farmers, Mr. Dumelo pledged to establish a Farm Service Centre in Ketu North. This centre will provide essential farming equipment such as tractors and combined harvesters, along with fertilizers and seeds, making farming more accessible and efficient for local communities.
He also commended Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, the MP for Ketu North, for his dedication and efforts in promoting development in the region. “Please continue to support your MP. He is working hard to make Ghana a better place for all of us,” he added.
Updates on Key Projects
Mr. Agbana shared updates on several important projects in the area. He mentioned that discussions with the World Bank have led to a reassessment of the long-awaited dam project, which is expected to begin soon. The original timeline had been too delayed, but recent engagements have resulted in a revised plan that is more aligned with the needs of the community.
Additionally, an excavator brought in four months ago has already started helping farmers improve their cultivation practices. Mr. Agbana also revealed that Brazilian investors are preparing to cultivate over 3,000 hectares of land in the area and will soon meet with landowners to finalize arrangements.
Community Response and Commitment
Farmers in the area expressed their gratitude to both the Deputy Minister and the MP for their support. They pledged to make the most of the assistance provided and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to national food security.
They also praised the government’s vision to transform the Volta Region into the breadbasket of Ghana, highlighting the potential for increased agricultural output and economic growth in the region.
Conclusion
The visit by Mr. Dumelo and the ongoing efforts of local leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to improving agriculture in Ketu North. With continued support and investment, the region has the potential to become a model for sustainable farming and food production in Ghana.
