90,000 Hectares of farmlands to be irrigated-Prez Akufo-Addo

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pledged government’s commitment to irrigate farmlands across the country.

This, he noted is to ensure that water is made available to farmers so as to enable them cultivate and irrigate their farms all year round.

Speaking at today’s national farmers’ day and awards ceremony in the capital of the Ashanti Region, President Akufo-Addo revealed a total of 90,000 hectares of farmlands have been targeted in the irrigation project.

Rivers that have been targeted to be used as source of the water transmission project are the Oti, Black and White Volta lakes.

AGRIC FINANCING:
The President announced the setting up of a lending scheme to enable farmers to have access to capital to expand their farms and agri-businesses.

The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Agricultural Lending Scheme (GIRSAL), the President mentioned has been initiated to improve and provide incentives for commercial lending to agri-businesses in the country.

This scheme, he reiterated is designed to reduce the risks in the agricultural sector with guaranteed funds, insurance and capacity building of businesses as its key pillars.

The President also revealed plans to develop the road network across farming zones through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund.

WINNERS:
Taking home the accolade as the second runner up in the eventual national awards was Mrs Rebecca Commey from the GA south municipal assembly. She got a key to a 4×4 vehicle and other additional items from the sponsors of the farmer’s day celebration.

Mrs Mabel Akoto Cudjoe, a farmer at Hohoe in the Volta Region having been adjudged the 1st runner-up position holder also took home a 4X4 vehicle and other mouthwatering items from the sponsors.

Climaxing the event was the heralding of Philip Kwaku Agyemang, a farmer based in the Dormaa West Distict of the Brong-Ahafo Region as the National Best Farmer.

The 58year old man took home a cash prize of a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), a 4X4 vehicle and items from all the sponsors of the framers’ day celebration.

Chairing the impressive ceremony in the Ashanti Region was Nana Otuo Serebuo, Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area.

He urged Ghanaian farmers to give off their best to ensuring they sustain the country and its economy as they did in previous times.

The Chief also tasked government to ensure they provide incentives to farmers as well as create the necessary environment for the growth of agri-business in the country..