MOFA proposes canal system for Accra Plains

Accra, June 17, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has proposed a basic canal irrigation system for the Accra Plains to put an estimated 140,000 hectares of land into agricultural production, Mr J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, the sector Minister said on Thursday.

He said with such a facility in place, small-scale and large-scale farmers as well as groups could be allocated land for either development or cropping for a fee.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong, who was answering questions in Parliament during "Question Time", said there is the need to source funds to undertake feasibility studies on the proposal.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, NPP-Manhyia, had asked the Minister about the Ministry's plans to turn the Accra Plains into an agricultural productive area.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong told the House that currently, part of the Kpong Irrigation Project has been developed with a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

He said the other part of the project, whose feasibility study needs updating before implementation, is waiting for the needed funding to proceed.

He said other irrigation projects have been planned for the Plains.

They are at different stages of feasibility studies, which need updating to proceed, subject to availability of funds.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong said farmers, who are engaged in animal husbandry on the Plains are being assisted by agricultural extension officers and staff of the Veterinary Service to boost production.

He said crop farmers are also turning large amounts of animal and human waste found in the area, into organic manure to enhance agricultural production in the area.

Asked to reconcile a situation where there is a steady high cost of production while prices of some agricultural produce continue to fall, the Minister said every effort would be made to address the anomaly.

To a suggestion that agricultural performance has been poor due to failed policies of the government, Mr Owusu-Acheampong disagreed and said on the contrary, agriculture had performed creditably and had contributed substantially to the lowering of inflation and enhanced the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The Minister said through, the Youth in Agriculture Programme, the government is encouraging the youth, especially those in the rural communities, to engage in agriculture to improve their economic and social status.

On steps to enable farmers to have timely access to agro-inputs and tractor services for this year's farming season, Mr Owusu-Acheampong assured the questioner of adequate stocks of seed varieties and agro-chemicals for distribution and sale to interested farmers and organisations.

He explained, however, that the importation, distribution, sale and use of seeds and agro-chemicals have been privatised by the government since 1992.

He said, notwithstanding, the privatisation, there are laws in the country to regulate the importation, distribution, sale and use of agricultural inputs, including agro-chemicals.

Mr Owusu-Acheampong said Ministry has introduced integrated pest management (IPM) in the cultivation of some selected crops like rice, cowpea, plantain, cassava, tomatoes and other vegetables.

He said with this concept, all the best agronomic practices are used to grow a healthy crop, adding that pesticides are thus used as a last resort.

The Minister explained that the new programme cuts down significantly, the cost of production of the crops.

On tractor services he said the Ministry has imported 250 units of agricultural tractors complete with implements and back-up spare parts with a 3.14 million-dollar Chinese loan.

He said the machinery are currently being assembled and serviced for sale to farmers in readiness for this year's farming season.

To a question about the status and fate of trainees of agricultural colleges, who may not be absorbed by the public sector, after their course, Mr Owusu-Acheampong said the main programme of such colleges is to provide middle-level manpower for the agricultural sector.

He said the graduates are expected to seek employment in either the private sector, including working on their own, or in other public sector institutions including the sector Ministry, adding that "they may also further their education at the universities".