93.8 Hectors of inland valley to be used for rice cultivation

The Mpohor Wassa East District is to benefit from an inland valley rice development project. The contract for the project has been awarded to Arab contractors of Egypt for the development of 93.8 hectors of inland valley to ease land preparation by farmers and also to control water movement on the valley to help produce quality rice more than once a year.

The District Chief Executive for Mpohor Wassa East District Hon. Anthony Bassaw disclosed this at the 25th edition of National Farmers Day Celebration held at Wassa- Angu in the Western Region.

He said agricultural activities in the district has not only promoted export to other parts of the world but also contributed to the setting up of some industries and plantations such as Benso Oil Plantation, Ayiem Oil Mill, Subri Industrial Plantation Limited and Norpalm Ghana Limited.

He noted that apart from being the backbone of the economy, agriculture is synonymous to rural development since it is the main source of employment, income and food for the rural masses, adding that agriculture contributes significantly in reducing poverty and hunger.

Sharing his thoughts on the theme of the celebration “accelerated agricultural modernization for food security and economic transformation” , the chief executive said modernisation implies the use of modern technology and equipment in the agric sector to boost production and to enable the sector provide food and raw materials to industries. He explain that the theme of the celebration is relevant and remains the strongest option in achieving the goal of becoming full scale agro-based middle income country, adding that the use of tractors, combine harvester, tiller machines, spraying machines, fertilizers, improved seedlings and other improved technology should replace the use of rudimentary tools such as the hole and cutlass which produce low agricultural productivity and yields.

Hon. Bassaw hinted that approval has been given for the establishment of farm mechanization centre in Wassa Angu under a specialized programme by government to improve farm mechanization in the country.

In an address the District Director of Agric Madam Elizabeth Braya said the theme is an indication of government’s intention and determination to transform agriculture and ensure sustainable food security and reduce poverty.

She further said the day is celebrated to encourage farmers to increase production to ensure food security.

She added that government have introduced a number of interventions aimed at improving performance in the agricultural sector and urged farmers to take advantage to expand and improve their farms

Madam Braya also appealed to farmers to work in collaboration with agricultural extension officers in order to benefit from the intervention.

Mr. Kwabena Nkrumah from Wassa Domama emerged as the overall winner. He received bicycle, spraying machine, cutlasses and Wellington boot.

Other winners also took home certificates, cutlasses, sewing machine and wellington.



SUBMITTED BY:
FRANK KWABENA DANSO, I S D
DABOASE.