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Ghana’s agricultural sector serves as a bedrock for our economy, supporting the livelihoods of millions and driving socio-economic development. With a population surpassing 33.48 million, the nation’s agricultural output is vital for ensuring food security and economic prosperity. Yet, despite commendable initiatives by the government to set up agro-input dealer shops across the country, a critical gap remains in facilitating access to essential agro-inputs and education for farmers during pre-planting season.
Another critical challenge is the lack of technical knowledge and skills among farmers, particularly regarding modern agricultural practices and the optimal use of agro-inputs. With little or without any access to training and extension services, many farmers struggle to make informed decisions regarding input selection, application, and management.
To help address these challenges, Agrihouse Foundation, A Non-Governmental Organization ,that has always been at the forefront of initiating practical Agricultural project solutions and have been working with farmers across the country ,introduced the Ghana Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibitions & Awards (GACA) , an interventional pre-planting season event that seeks to promote sustainable crop production and increase harvests through farmer education and Good Agricultural Practices and implementation, Ensure comprehensive availability of crucial resources for all agricultural value chain participants, Recognize and award exceptional actors within the agro-input industry who contribute to agricultural development and Grant Input dealers and service providers an opportunity to connect with farmers during the pre-planting season and introduce their offerings.
Techiman being the centre and food basket of Ghana and home for over 60 percent of Ghana’s farming community was host to the median edition of the Ghana Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibitions & Awards (GACA) programme from Thursday, April 18th to Friday, April 19th, 2024.
Held under the theme “Recognizing Efficiency and Innovation to Drive Sustainable Bumper Harvest,” the two-day event served as a valuable networking platform, allowing farmers to meet with industry expert, exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore new products and services. Farmers also gained knowledge on the proper utilization of agrochemicals and crop protection techniques, The event also provided a platform for Farmers to purchase agricultural inputs at discounted rates aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability during the pre-planting season.
The two-day event held in collaboration with the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council and sponsored by Agromonti Company Limited attracted over 600 farmers, along with key stakeholders from the Government, Development agencies, and Royals from the Bono East region. Among the notable figures in attendance were Nana Owusu Takyi III, Vice President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Basa, Bono-East Regional Director for Agriculture, Mr. James Adu, Hon. PeterOsei Fosu, the Nkoranza North District Chief Executive, and Mr. Dominic Donkor, Managing Partner of Agromonti, along with representatives from the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council among others.
Additionally, the event also awarded companies and individuals who appreciate and celebrate hardworking and outstanding Input dealers who go all out in making sure we have healthy yields and bumper harvest and are excelling in promoting agriculture in the country, this acknowledgment of excellence is aimed at motivating farmers and industry stakeholders to continue striving for innovation and improvement in the agricultural sector.
the Awardees included Agromonti Company Limited, who took home the Most Innovative Input Dealer Company award, Yara Ghana Limited was awarded the Leading Crop Nutrition Brand in Ghana, and Tibourataa Women Group from the Northern Region won the Most Promising Input Dealer Company Award.
Giving the opening remarks, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, shed light on the challenges faced by farmers during the pre-planting season and the event’s pivotal role in addressing these pressing issues. “The pre-planting season is a time of great struggle and uncertainty for our farmers. They face limited access to resources, fluctuating market conditions, and unpredictable weather patterns, while striving to prepare their lands for the upcoming planting season.” She emphasized.
Miss Akosa underscored the event’s unique ability to confront these challenges, stating, “The Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibition is more than just an event—it’s a beacon of hope for our farming community. It is a platform where farmers can access essential information, innovative solutions, and valuable resources to overcome the problems they face during the critical pre-planting period. She stressed the event’s significance in empowering farmers to make informed decisions, adopt sustainable practices, and build resilience against the uncertainties of agriculture.
NANA OWUSU TAKYI III – COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS NEEDED IN ADVANCING AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY IN BONO EAST REGION
Accepting his place as Chairperson for the event, The Vice President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Basa, Nana Owusu Takyi III, stressed on the need for more collaborative efforts among stakeholders in advancing agricultural development and sustainability in the Region.
He underscored the necessity for increased interventions and support for agriculture, stressing its role in creating economic opportunities and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.
HON. PETER OSEI FOSU – URGED FARMERS TO ADOPT EFFICIENT AND INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
He reiterated the commitment of the government and the Bono East Leadership to invest in infrastructure, provide access to modern farming techniques, to help promote sustainable practices for long-term agricultural growth.
BONO EAST REGIONAL AGRIC DIRECTOR – INITIATIVES LIKE THE GHANA AGROCHEMICAL & CROP PROTECTION EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS (GACA), HELP DRIVE AGRICULTURAL GROWTH ‘’
The Bono – East Regional Director for Agriculture, Mr. James Adu, speaking at the 1st Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards also highlighted the need for initiatives like the Ghana Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibitions & Awards (GACA) in propelling agricultural growth and sustainability in the country.
He emphasized the significance of initiatives like the Ghana agrochemical and crop protection exhibitions and awards in tackling the challenges confronting farmers and fostering agricultural innovation.
He encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively work towards sustainable agricultural development through efficiency, innovation, and collaboration.
He expressed gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for spearheading the initiative and extended appreciation to all sponsors, stakeholders, farmers, and exhibitors for their invaluable contributions to the agricultural sector. Underscoring the collective efforts required to ensure that farmers have the requisite tools, resources, and support to flourish and prosper.
MR DOMINIC DONKOH – CONDUCT RESEARCH ON PRODUCTS BEFORE USE
Mr. Dominic Donkor, the managing Partner for Agromonti Company Limited, speaking to participants urged farmers to be cautious of fertilizers and chemicals they use on their crops.
According to him, Farmers must exercise utmost caution and diligence in selecting fertilizers and chemicals for their crops,” he stating that, the choice of agricultural inputs significantly impacts crop health, soil quality, and environmental sustainability.
‘’It is imperative that farmers conduct thorough research and seek expert advice to ensure they choose products that are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly”, he added.
WE’VE GAINED INVALUABLE KNOWLEDGE – FARMERS LAUDS 1ST GACA
Farmers in the Bono-East Region praised Agrihouse Foundation for the successful organization of the inaugural Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards.
They expressed enthusiasm for the wealth of knowledge and resources provided. They cited the exhibitions, training and awards as instrumental in revolutionizing their farming techniques and enhancing their yields.
Through interactive sessions and demonstrations led by agricultural experts and input suppliers, farmers gained insights into innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable practices.
“The program has been a game-changer for us. We’ve gained invaluable knowledge on how to improve our yields, manage pests and diseases, and adopt more efficient farming techniques.”
Another farmer highlighted the integration of technology into farming practices, noting, “Technology has now been fully integrated with farming, changing the way we farm. We’ve learned a lot, especially about the application of fertilizers, weedicides, pesticides, and other chemicals in our farms.”
In addition to the knowledge gained, farmers appreciated the opportunity to purchase agricultural inputs at affordable prices.
“Aside from the knowledge we have gained, we also bought a lot of things at a very cheap price,” said one farmer. “We are very grateful for this opportunity, and we look forward to the event next year.”
