MOFA launches aggressive bid to transform agriculture

Kumasi, July 29, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has embarked on an aggressive drive to raise agricultural production levels through technology transfer.

This involves promoting increased engagement between researchers and farmers through the introduction of the 'e-extension' (mobile system), to expose the latter to improved farming methods.

Under the system, a platform has been created for channels of communication to enable farmers report problems affecting crop yield for these to be addressed by the research scientists.

Mr. Kwaku Minka-Fordjour, Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the communication was done in six local languages - Twi, Dagbani, Nzema, Ga, Ewe and Dagaare.

He rallied farmers to take advantage of the arrangement, to substantially increase crop production and returns.

He also encouraged them to come together as groups to attract credit facilities to expand their operations.

The other high point, he said, was that this would enable the Ministry to support them with farming equipment and machinery.

Mr. Minka-Fordjour said they were poised to provide the required extension services to grow the nation's agriculture to improve the livelihood of the farmer, and entice the youth into farming.

He said the expectation was that the farmers would be more receptive to new technologies to boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

GNA