Shama introduces ‘new technology for farming’

The Shama District has introduced a new technology to ensure all year round farming in parts of the district, Mr Joseph Nii Tettey Otu, Shama Distrct Director of Agriculture.

The innovation known as the “Green House Project” would make it necessary for farming to be done in an enclosed area, filled with fertile soil and irrigated through either water hose or any means of watering the land to enable the crops grow.

The Director, who announced the innovation at the 31st Farmers’ Day Celebration observed at Abuesi, said the technology that has proved successful at four different areas in the Region would to extended to benefit the communities.

He said plans were underway to train the youth and women to go into the cultivation of vegetables to earn income and become self-sufficient to encourage them to appreciate and venture into agriculture.

Mr Otu stated that under the Enhanced Access to Quality Rice Seed Initiative, 57 rice farmers, 39 males and 18 females in the area were given new improved seed for high yields.

Seventy-six year old farmer, Mr Jonah Kwesi Nyan emerged the district’s overall best farmer among 25 awardees, including two females at the district’s seventh Farmers’ Day Celebration.

Mr Nyan who cultivates cash crops including cocoa, oil palm, rice, vegetables and has livestock in addition, took home a certificate and various items including spraying machines, cutlasses, wax prints and wellington boots.

The other 24 award winning farmers and fishermen also received certificates and similar items.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, noted that the District had the potential to have high yield in rice production, "however, the present value chain is weak and needs strengthening."

Mr Aidoo stressed the need for people to acquire investment in land development, water management structures, farm tracks and equipment/machinery.

The Wassa East District also observed the day at Atobiease with 43 year old Joseph Buabengn adjudged the best farmer among 50 other award winning farmers.

Mr Anthony Emmanuel Aggrey, the District Chief Executive urged the youth to stop the illegal mining which was fast degrading the District and venture into farming.