The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has announced a significant move to expand the left bank of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme. This expansion, valued at $20 million, will be carried out by the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), marking a substantial investment in Ghana’s agricultural infrastructure.
This decision builds upon the government’s earlier investment of $20 million in 2011, through the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP), to kickstart the Kpong Irrigation Scheme project. This project has already benefited farmers in the Asutuare enclave, including the Golden Exotic Company Limited, Ghana’s largest banana exporter.
The rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme holds promise for improving water access and enhancing crop yields for farmers in the region. Dr. Acheampong made the announcement during a speech at a grand durbar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Golden Exotic Company Limited in Kasunya, Asutuare.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to agricultural development in the area, stating, “The people of this community must know that the government has pumped $20 million into the irrigation scheme around this area, and I have also approved another $20 million to expand the left bank of the irrigation scheme in this area.”
The expansion project, to be executed by the Food Systems Resilience Programme, represents a substantial investment totaling $40 million in the area alone. This infusion of funds underscores the government’s dedication to bolstering agricultural infrastructure and supporting local farmers.
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In response to this development, the Managing Director of Golden Exotic Company Limited, Benedict Rich, highlighted the company’s adoption of drone technology to enhance productivity. He emphasized the transformative impact of drone technology, stating, “Drone technology has really advanced in the last few years. We use them to apply fertilizer, count bananas, and monitor diseases, revolutionizing traditional farming practices.”
The integration of innovative technologies like drone technology not only boosts efficiency but also underscores the agricultural sector’s adaptability to modern methods. This synergy between traditional practices and cutting-edge technology bodes well for the future of agriculture in Ghana, promising increased productivity and sustainability.
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As the expansion of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme progresses, stakeholders anticipate positive outcomes for farmers, including improved access to water resources, enhanced crop yields, and overall agricultural prosperity in the Asutuare enclave and beyond.