Peasant Farmers Appeal to Agric Minister-Designate for Sector Reforms Through Irrigation

Peasant Farmers Appeal to Agric Minister-Designate for Sector Reforms Through Irrigation

Peasant Farmers Call on Agric Minister-Designate to Prioritize Irrigation Systems

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has appealed to the Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to make the development of irrigation systems a top priority in his agenda. The association emphasizes that the growing impact of climate change on agriculture requires immediate action to modernize farming practices and ensure sustainable food production in the country.

According to PFAG’s National President, Wepia Adugwala, traditional rain-fed agriculture is no longer a viable option for Ghana’s long-term agricultural sustainability. He underscored the need for a transition to more resilient farming systems, with irrigation playing a pivotal role. Adugwala believes that without robust irrigation infrastructure, Ghana’s agricultural sector will struggle to adapt to erratic weather patterns, jeopardizing food security and the livelihoods of farmers.

Adugwala highlighted the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam as a critical asset with the potential to irrigate over 15,000 hectares of land, particularly in northern Ghana. However, he noted that the dam’s full capacity remains untapped. Expanding its use and implementing similar projects across the country could provide farmers with consistent and reliable access to water, ensuring year-round agricultural production.

The PFAG president urged the incoming minister to take decisive steps toward modernizing the agricultural sector. This includes investing in irrigation infrastructure and providing the necessary support for farmers to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Adugwala argued that prioritizing irrigation would not only boost productivity but also secure livelihoods and stabilize food supply chains.

“In this era of climate change, irrigation should be the number one priority for the agricultural sector,” Adugwala emphasized. “If you consider what farmers are going through now, it’s clear that Ghana cannot achieve sustainable food production by relying solely on rainfall. Irrigation is crucial, especially for us in northern Ghana, where we produce a significant portion of the country’s food.”

He further elaborated on the importance of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, which he described as a transformative project. “The Pwalugu Dam is very important because it can irrigate over 15,000 hectares of farmland. However, its potential is not being fully utilized. Expanding its reach and ensuring its effective use will be key to boosting agricultural productivity in the region,” he stated.

Beyond irrigation, Adugwala called for broader reforms in the agricultural sector to make it more climate-resilient and productive. He emphasized that investments in modern farming techniques and infrastructure are necessary to safeguard Ghana’s food security in the face of climate challenges.

The PFAG president concluded by reaffirming the association’s commitment to working with the government to achieve these goals, urging the new minister to act swiftly to address the pressing needs of farmers. “We hope the new minister will prioritize irrigation and other critical reforms to support farmers and modernize the sector. The future of Ghana’s food production depends on it,” Adugwala said.

With Ghana’s agricultural sector facing increasing pressures from unpredictable weather patterns, the call from peasant farmers for urgent reforms serves as a timely reminder of the need for strategic investments in irrigation and sustainable farming practices. If addressed effectively, these measures could pave the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, benefiting farmers and the nation as a whole.

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