Agric Minister inaugurates 25 solar-powered irrigation facilities in 3 regions
Twenty-five solar-powered irrigation facilities have been inaugurated across the Northern, Savannah and Upper West regions to boost dry season farming and vegetable production among women smallholder farmers.
The facilities, which are equipped with solar-powered pumps, water storage systems and irrigation tools, support all- year-round farming in beneficiary communities.
The intervention formed part of the Greater Rural Opportunities for Women Phase Two (GROW2) Project being implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
The initiative is also expected to support the government’s Feed Ghana Programme aimed at modernising agriculture, improving food security, creating jobs and reducing poverty among women.
Food security
Inaugurating the facilities at Moglaa in the Savelugu Municipality, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, said access to reliable water for irrigation was a major constraint to all-year-round agricultural production.
He said the beneficiary communities would now be able to cultivate tomatoes, onions, peppers, leafy vegetables and other high-value crops throughout the dry season to improve household food security and incomes.
He described the intervention as transformational, as it would strengthen livelihoods, promote environmental sustainability and advance women’s economic empowerment.
“The Feed Ghana Programme recognises that sustainable food production requires investment in infrastructure and water infrastructure is foremost among those priorities,” Mr Opoku said.
He added that the ministry, through its extension officers, would continue to provide technical support, extension services and monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the facilities.
He, therefore, urged beneficiary communities to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring proper maintenance and effective utilisation.
Commitment
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, said each facility would serve approximately 50 acres of irrigable land and support at least five farmer groups made up of about 25 women each.
She indicated that more than 3,100 women farmers across 11 districts would directly benefit from the intervention.
She said Canada had committed $125 million over five years to support inclusive growth, climate resilience and sustainable development in northern Ghana.
“Canada’s Africa strategy is rooted in inclusion, resilience and sustainability. Here in Moglaa, we see those values brought to life in water flowing through pipes, crops growing in fields and hope growing in communities,” she said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, in a speech read for him by the Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), Sumaila Ewuntomah, commended the Canadian government for supporting agricultural development in the area.
